A Louth man has appeared before a Sunday sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of the IRA and two counts of the possession of firearms.

Owen McCann (35) was arrested in Dundalk on Friday afternoon by members of the Special Detective Unit as part of an ongoing operation targeting dissident republican activity.

Mr McCann, of Annaloughan, Jenkinstown, Co Louth, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA, on December 18, 2015.

Mr McCann is also charged with two counts of possession of firearms, including a rifle, conversion kit for pistols, and ammunition on December 17, 2015.

Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce told Acting Chief Prosecution Solicitor Liam Mulholland that he formally arrested the accused in Dundalk, Co. Louth, yesterday.

Det Sgt Boyce said Mr McCann made no reply when arrested.

He was brought to Dundalk Garda Station before he was transferred to Dublin's Criminal Courts of Justice.

Mr McCann, who appeared before the court wearing a navy jumper, stood as requested when the court registrar read the charge to him.

Counsel for Mr McCann, Conan Fegan BL, said he understood the court was suggesting that a bail application might be dealt with on Tuesday morning next, which the court agreed with.

Irish Independent