As part of ongoing investigations into dissident Republican activity, Gardai from the Special Detective Unit, assisted by local Units, carried out search and arrest operations this morning in the South-Eastern, Southern and Western Garda Regions.
So far Gardai have carried out 15 searches in counties Wexford, Waterford, Clare and Longford.
Eight men have been arrested and are all detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against The State Act 1939, on suspicion of membership of an unlawful organisation and unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.
Two men, one in his 50's and one in his late 20's are detained at New Ross Garda Station. Two, one in his 40's and the other late 20's are detained at Waterford Garda Station. Two in Tramore one in his 30's and one in his 20's. One man in his early 30's is detained at Dungarvan, one man in his mid 60's at Ennis Garda Station.
Gardai have recovered a revolver and a large quantity of ammunition, during one of the searchs in Co. Wexford. In other searches suspected explosive component parts, equipment and material were seized.
The operation in on-going and further updates will be issued.
