Gardaí have arrested three men in south Kilkenny in connection with a number of robberies and aggravated burglaries in the area.
As part of the operation, two pipe bombs in early stages of manufacture, firearms, ammunition and cash were seized.
The arrests took place following an operation involving a total of six searches yesterday morning.
The three men, all in their 20s, are being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 and investigations are ongoing.