An Garda Síochána have intercepted an ‘extremely significant’ bomb that was headed for Northern Ireland after a planned intelligence-led operation targeting dissident republicans.
The Special Detective Unit (SDU) stopped a vehicle on the N2, south of Carrickmacross in County Monaghan, on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Press Association, Garda sources have described the bomb as “highly sophisticated” and “advanced”. They also understand it contained suspected military-grade explosives.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The driver, a female, aged in her 20s, was arrested and continues to be detained. A male, aged in his 40s, has since been arrested and is detained at a Garda station in the Dublin region.
The Irish Defence Forces EOD team attended the scene, but the outcome is not being released by the Garda for ‘operational reasons’.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable, Crime Department, Davy Beck said: “I very much welcome this significant seizure and the arrests made by our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, with whom we work very closely on a daily basis. This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe.
“We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant praised An Garda Síochána for their ‘quick, decisive action’ that ‘undoubtedly saved lives and kept communities safe on both sides of the border’.
Huge thanks to An Garda Síochána for their quick, decisive action in Co. Monaghan. Intercepting a dangerous device like this undoubtedly saved lives and kept communities safe on both sides of the border. Strong cross-border security cooperation remains as vital as ever.
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) July 24, 2026
DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said that the interception ‘raises serious questions about the assessment of dissident threat by the Irish government’.
“Reports that police in the Republic intercepted a completed terrorist bomb allegedly destined for Northern Ireland just across the border are chilling. It was, according to reports, a live terrorist operation that could have resulted in the loss of life. All those involved in stopping this deserve enormous credit. Their actions may have prevented innocent families from suffering unimaginable tragedy,” Robinson said.
“This operation also raises serious questions for the Irish Government about how it is assessing the threat posed by dissident republican terrorism and whether the response is keeping pace with the danger. If terrorists are capable of assembling sophisticated explosive devices and moving them towards the border, then it is entirely legitimate to ask whether the threat is being fully recognised and whether sufficient resources and operational focus are being directed towards disrupting these organisations before they reach this stage.
“This incident is a stark reminder that these terrorists remain active, organised and intent on murder. There can be no room for complacency. The response from both governments must be relentless, intelligence-led and uncompromising. Terrorists belong in prison, not on the road carrying bombs towards Northern Ireland.”
SDLP MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood, has said this is another stark reminder of the capability dissident republicans have to cause harm to innocent people.
“Reports that a car bomb with the capacity to cause death and destruction was intercepted by Gardaí on its way to our city are deeply concerning. It took a significant police operation to intercept this vehicle and prevent a tragedy from taking place and I commend the officers for their efforts,” he said.
“This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many. The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.
“We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.
“The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind. I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good.”
Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Diana Armstrong has said there is no place in modern society for the ‘backward and dangerous ideology that continues to put lives at risk and drag our communities backwards’.
“It is our sincere hope that those responsible will feel the full force of the law. There can be no place in modern society for the backward and dangerous ideology that continues to put lives at risk and seeks to drag our communities backwards,” she said.
“The Ulster Unionist Party wishes to place on record its sincere thanks and gratitude to An Garda Síochána for their professionalism and swift action in intercepting this vehicle before those involved were able to carry out their plans and endanger further lives.
“The people of Northern Ireland know all too well the devastating impact that terrorist attacks have on families and communities. Such acts tear communities apart, cause immense suffering, and result in the needless loss of life. They are and never have been justified in any circumstances.”
