A serving member of the Defence Forces has appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court charged with possessing explosives.

Mark Cassidy, with an address at Grianan Vale, Ballyderowen, Burnfoot, Co Donegal, was charged with two counts of possessing explosives at the same address on Monday.

He was also charged with possessing 87 12-gauge shotgun cartridges.

Detective Garda Michael Carroll told the court that he arrested Mr Cassidy yesterday and when he put the charges to him, he made no reply.

Garda Inspector Michael Harrison said he was objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the offences and because Mr Cassidy had no permanent address in the Republic.

Mr Cassidy’s barrister Peter Nolan told the court that his client was not in a position to apply for bail at the moment and said he is currently on disability allowance and not working.

Judge Paul Kelly remanded Mr Cassidy in custody to appear again at Letterkenny District Court next Monday.

A second soldier arrested in connection with an explosives find has been released without charge.

The soldier was questioned at Letterkenny Garda Station.

A file on the matter is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.