New trial date set in explosives case

The Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday fixed a date in June next year for the trial of three men accused of having a …

The Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday fixed a date in June next year for the trial of three men accused of having a major explosives haul in 1998.

The men's initial trial was abandoned last December because of a nine-month adjournment due to the illness of one of the three judges in the hearing. Yesterday the court fixed June 13th next year for a new trial.

Mr Eamonn Flanagan (44), of The Square, Skerries, and Mr Seamus McLoughlin (68), of Balkill Park, Howth, are charged with possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or to enable another person to do so at West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin, on January 5th, 1998.

Mr Joseph Dillon (54), public relations officer for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, of Greenlawns, Skerries, is charged with possession of an explosive substance at Bettystown, Co Meath, on the same date.