Gardaí have arrested five men in Athy, Co Kildare, as part of on-going investigations into dissident republican activities in the area.The arrests come in the wake ofarms finds at three sites within a few miles of each other, earlier this month.
Four of the five were arrested at their homes at 6.30 this morning with the fifth arrested in the area four hours later. It is understood the men are being held under section 30 of the Criminal Justice Act and are being questioned about the recent finds.
The arms discovery, made between Athy and Vicarstown in the first week of July, included 20 mortars and mortar casings, two rifles with more than 300 rounds of ammunition, a revolver, flak jackets and first aid equipment. Two men were charged and have appeared before the Special Criminal Court in relation to the finds.
Gardaí have confirmed the arrests are linked to an investigation into an arms find made in Athy last month.