Three men have appeared at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin charged with having bomb making equipment.

They were arrested by Irish police investigating dissident republican activity in Dundalk, County Louth, on Saturday morning.

The three are 31-year-old twin brothers, Alan and Kenneth Patterson from Finglas in Dublin, and 22-year-old Darren O'Donagh with an address at Glenmore Park, Muirhevanamore, Dundalk.

They were charged with the unlawful possession of explosive components, including one improvised time and power unit.

No charge

Each of the three men spoke only once during their brief court appearance and that was to confirm their identity.

They were told they could apply for bail, provided they give the state 48 hours notice.

They were all remanded in custody until 15 June.

A woman who was arrested by Irish police in Dublin on Saturday in a follow-up operation was released without charge on Monday morning.