A 31-year-old Louth man charged with membership of the Continuity IRA has been refused bail at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court yesterday.
Det Insp Liam Hogan, of the Special Branch, told the court of his concern that Mr Barry O'Brien was "clearly linked to a very serious organisation and would continue to support that organisation and its operations" if released on bail.
Questioned by Mr James McGuill, for the accused, Insp Hogan said the gardaí had a "very strong feeling" that Mr O'Brien "was actively involved in the Continuity IRA".
Mr O'Brien, of Mountain Court, Dundalk, Co Louth, has been in custody since his arrest on April 6th, following a search of his home.
Mr O'Brien was subsequently charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, namely the IRA, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the Irish Republic Army within the State on April 6th contrary to Section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939-1998.
During yesterday's specially convened sitting, the court heard that there was "serious apprehension that the defendant would continue to commit serious crime" if released on bail.
Insp Hogan said six mobile phones, a SIM card for another mobile phone, two walkie-talkies, a metal detector and 22 tickets to a republican fund-raising event were found in Mr O'Brien's home.
Judge Joseph Matthews remanded Mr O'Brien in custody to appear before the Special Criminal Court on May 18th.