GARDAI yesterday uncovered a second underground firing range within the IRA training camp discovered in a remote woodland area of Monaghan last weekend.
It was the latest in a series of major finds in the townland of Knockatallon, near Scotstown, since gardai began an intensive search of the area at the beginning of March.
Yesterday's discovery was of a 40 foot long firing range which bad a concealed four feet by three feet entrance. A number of spent shells were found in the vicinity but there were no weapons, according to a Garda spokesman.
The find was made 300 metres from the rifle range which was discovered by gardai last Saturday. While not as long, the range discovered yesterday was very similar in design to the one found at the weekend, the spokesman added.
Yesterday's find was made at about 4 p.m. as gardai continued their search of the densely wooded area.
The firing range was about 40 feet long, and had a tyre lined tunnel which was used for target practice. The range was supported on both sides by pallets.
Gardai are still carrying out tests to establish when the firing range found at the weekend was last used.
The two ranges were part of a large IRA training camp which also included a mortar target and accommodation hut.
Since beginning their search of the area over a month ago, gardai have discovered 500 rounds of AK47 ammunition, a motorcycle stolen in UCD in January, mortar tubes and gas cylinders partly adapted for mortar bombs. The ammunition was discovered in an underground bunker.
About 40 gardai are involved in the ongoing search which is being led by Chief Supt Colm Rooney of Monaghan Garda station.
