Two men have been arrested after a quantity of explosive material was discovered by gardaí investigating the activities of dissident republicans.

Armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit and the Special Detective Unit forced a car to stop on Spring Garden Street in Ballybough at around 6pm.

They discovered what they believe to be a quantity of detonators and semtex.

The surrounding area was cleared and cordoned off and the Army Bomb Disposal team was called in to ensure the explosive material is made safe.

The two men are being detained at Clontarf Garda Station.