TWO men appeared before a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin yesterday evening on charges connected with the discovery of detonating cord containing explosives on Monday.
Mr Denis Lahiff (45), a single man, of Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co Waterford and Mr Simon Kieran Maxwell (30), a married father of one, of Stonehall, Multyfarnharn, Co Westmeath, were each charged with possession of 258 feet and four inches of improvised detonating cord containing the explosives PETN and RDX with intent to endanger life at Ballyonan, Moyvalley, Enfield, Co Kildare on Monday.
The two men were also charged with possession of an explosive substance in suspicious circumstances on the same date.
Det Garda Martin Cadden of the Special Detective Unit gave evidence of arresting Mr Lahiff at 9.15 p.m. on Monday in the car park of Mother Hubbard's restaurant at Ballyonan on suspicion of possession of explosives.
Det Garda Cadden said that after his arrest Mr Lahiff was taken to Santry Garda station.
Det Garda Martin Harrington, also of the Special Detective Unit, said he arrested Mr Maxwell at 9.15 p.m. on Monday in the car park of Mother Hubbard's restaurant at Ballyonan on suspicion of possessing explosives. He said that after his arrest Mr Maxwell was also taken to Santry Garda station.
Det Chief Supt Michael Reid, the officer in charge of the Special Detective Unit, gave evidence of signing orders extending the men's detention by a further 24 hours on Tuesday night.
The court remanded Mr Lahiff and Mr Maxwell in custody until March 5th.