Men charged with Louth explosive offences further remanded in custody
James McCormack (58) of South Commons, Carlingford, Co. Louth and Cillian McCormack (24) with an address at Church Hill, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow were initially remanded in custody at a special sitting of the court on Saturday.
Two men accused of explosive offences in north Louth were further remanded in custody when they appeared before Dundalk District Court this afternoon.
James McCormack (58) of South Commons, Carlingford, Co. Louth and Cillian McCormack (24) with an address at Church Hill, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow were initially remanded in custody at a special sitting of the court on Saturday.
They are each charged with knowingly having in their control an explosive substance at South Commons, in the townland of Grange Irish, on October 22nd last.
The charge relates to military and commercial detonators and 333 grams of Semtex high explosives, under circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that they did not have it in their possession for a lawful act.
Today Judge Nicola Andrews heard neither defendant had applied for bail at the original court hearing.
Eoghan Fagan BL, who appeared for James McCormack, explained that he was seeking a one week adjournment as two names had been provided to gardaí as independent sureties.
When Judge Andrews asked if his client was applying for bail, he replied "Not at this stage" and Mr Fagan confirmed he was instructed by Ciaran Mulholland solicitor.
When his case was called next and he was asked by Judge Andrews if he was applying for bail, Cillian McCormack replied "Not until I can take proper legal advice". The judge then asked if he understood that he was going to be remanded in custody until next week. He replied "Yes".
The prosecuting garda told the court the accused had a consultation with a solicitor and had been served with the Section 2 bail objections. That relates to the grounds on which the State will oppose bail in a contested bail hearing. Judge Andrews then explained to Cillian McCormack "Currently your solicitor is not working due to the industrial dispute that is ongoing".
Both accused were remanded in custody to appear by videolink next Wednesday, when the applications are expected to be made.