Searches carried out in New IRA investigation

Cork was one of four counties in the Republic where gardaí this week carried out searches targeting New IRA activities.

It was part of a PSNI operation, which An Garda Síochána supported by carrying out six searches in Cork, Kerry, Dublin and Laois, to combat the activities of the terror organisation.

Speaking about the operation in Northern Ireland, Crime Operations Assistant Chief with the PSNI Constable Barbara Gray said: “I can confirm that nine people were arrested on Tuesday under the Terrorism Act in connection with an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA. The seven men and two women, aged between 26 and 50 years, were arrested as part of Operation Arbacia.”

Constable Gray added that those who were arrested would be questioned on suspicion of a wide range of terrorist activity.

“The operation was supported by An Garda Síochána who carried out six searches at locations in Dublin, Laois, Cork and Kerry," she added.

Speaking about the operation in the Republic, a statement from An Garda Síochána said: “The searches in this jurisdiction were carried out at locations in Dublin, Laois, Cork and Kerry and were part of ongoing operations to combat the activities of the New IRA. The searches were conducted by members of the Special Detective Unit assisted by local gardaí and regional armed support units.”

An Garda Síochána had no further comment to make as of going to print.

The New IRA is a dissident republican group believed to have been established in 2012. The group made a formal admission that it killed Derry-based journalist Lyra McKee in 2019.