Eight men have been arrested as part of a major operation against dissident republican activity.
The arrests follow the search of 15 properties in counties Wexford, Waterford, Clare and Longford this morning.
The men arrested are all being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, on suspicion of membership of an unlawful organisation and unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.
Two men, one in his 50s and one in his late 20s are being held at New Ross Garda station in Co Wexford. Two other men, one in his 40s and the other late 20s are detained at Waterford Garda station. Two other suspects, one in his 20s and one in his 30s are being held at Tramore Garda station.
A man in his early 30s is detained at Dungarvan Garda station while a man in his mid 60s is being held at Ennis Garda station.
Gardaí recovered a revolver and a large quantity of ammunition during one of the searches in Co Wexford. In other searches suspected explosive component parts, equipment and material were seized.
The operation, which was organised by the Special Detective Unit and supported by local units, is ongoing.