NEWBRIDGE & NAAS, 9 July 2001: by Grace Halford. Gardai involved in an ongoing investigation into the activities of dissident Republicans have uncovered what was an alleged Real IRA training camp in Co Kildare. Within the camp a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition were found.
The find, believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Ireland, included 20 mortar bombs, 20 mortar tubes, 1 Ak47, 1 Chinese Assault Rifle, one handgun and over 250 rounds of ammunition. The arms were found in three separate locations within the Athy area, Milltownbridge outside Athy, Vicarstown and Killart Bog.
Two men, one believed to be in his 30s and the other believed to be in his 40s from the Athy area are being detained at Newbridge (above) and Naas Garda Stations under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. The two men have been detained for a further night following a special sitting of Naas District Court last night and no names have yet been released.
"The arms find is a result of an ongoing investigation into reports of dissident Republican training camps within the area," Gardaí told KNN earlier today and involved units from the SDU, Emergency Response Unit and the local Gardaí.
Gardaí believe that the arms were not concealed at the locations for more that 18 months due to the exceptional condition they were found in. Gardaí said, "It was a significant find and will save lives in Northern Ireland where they believe the arms were destined for."
©2001gracehalford/knn