Irish police said they discovered an explosive device inside a vehicle near the border with Northern Ireland during an operation targeting dissident republican activity.
Officers stopped the vehicle on Wednesday and arrested the driver, a woman in her 20s. A man in his 40s was later taken into custody as part of the investigation.
According to Irish public broadcaster RTÉ, citing police sources, the device was allegedly being transported to Northern Ireland for use in a planned car bomb attack. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that report.
Police Commissioner Justin Kelly described the seizure as “extremely significant,” saying the explosive device “could have caused considerable damage.”
Northern Ireland endured decades of conflict between Irish republicans seeking reunification with Ireland and unionists who support remaining part of the United Kingdom. Although the 1998 Good Friday Agreement led to the disarmament of most paramilitary groups, dissident factions remain active.
