FOUR men charged in connection with the discovery of bomb- making equipment in Co Laois are due before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin again tomorrow. Three of the men are from Dublin while the fourth is from Co Laois.
Mr Michael Cully (46), of Ballyfarrell, Clonaslee, Co Laois, appeared amid tight security at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court on Saturday night.
He was charged with having 30 kg of Semtex explosive with intent to endanger life or to enable another person to do so at Ballyfarrell, Clonaslee, on June 20th, 1996, and with having the Semtex for an unlawful object. Mr Cully made no reply as the charges were read.
Chief Supt Michael Reid said he had signed an order at 6.30 p.m. on Friday authorising Mr Cully's detention for a further 24 hours. Mr Michael Hayden, for Mr Cully, said he would be applying for bail but was aware he must give 48 hours notice.
The State Solicitor, Mr Brendan Counihan, applied for a remand in custody, and Mr Justice Morris, presiding, remanded Mr Cully to tomorrow.
Three Dublin men who were charged before the court on Friday night will also appear before the court again tomorrow.
They are Mr John Conaty (35), of Balbutcher Park, Ballymun, Dublin; Mr Gabriel Cleary (52), of Friarstown, Tallaght, Co Dublin; and Mr Bryan McNally (54), with an address at Knocksinna Park, Fox rock, Co Dublin.
All three are charged with having 16 improvised mortar bombs containing Semtex explosive at Clonaslee, Co Laois, on June 20th with intent to endanger life or enable another person to do so. They are also charged with having the mortar bombs for an unlawful object.