Man charged over explosive device lodges bail application

Simon O Donovan, a 44-year-old National Museum employee, has lodged a High Court bail application following his arrest in connection with an explosive device seizure in Co Monaghan. The charge against him is possession of an improvised explosive device, which is illegal under section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. The incident occurred on 22 July at St Laurence's Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 10.

At the bail hearing, Ms Justice Karen O' Connor agreed to adjourn the case until Tuesday. The operation that led to the discovery of the device involved the seizure of a bomb in a car in Co Monaghan, and Mr O Donovan is also linked to the alleged storage of the device in Collins Barracks National Museum, where he worked. He is scheduled to return to the Special Criminal Court on 5 October, where he will be served with the book of evidence.

Law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, from Abbeylands Park, Clane, Co Kildare, was also charged with possession of explosives in connection with the same investigation. She was released on €15,000 bail with conditions, including a ban on contacting anyone associated with republican political parties Saoradh or the New IRA. Her bail hearing, which took place in Trim District Court, was adjourned to 28 September.