National Museum employee lodges fresh bail application over explosive device find
Tom Tuite
A National Museum employee charged in connection with the seizure of an explosive device in Co Monaghan near the border has lodged a High Court bail application.
Simon O'Donovan (44), of Sperrin Road, Dublin 12, is seeking his release after previously being remanded in custody by the Special Criminal Court.
He is charged that on July 22, at St Laurence's Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 10, he did knowingly have in his possession an explosive improvised device.
This offence is contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 as amended by section 15(4) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.
At the High Court bail sitting on Thursday, Judge Karen O'Connor noted the accused's application was listed; however, counsel for the defence and the State requested that the matter be adjourned until Tuesday, which was granted.
The prosecution follows an operation last month involving the discovery of an alleged bomb in a car in Co Monaghan.
During initial hearings, it was alleged that the device had been stored within the confines of Collins Barracks National Museum, where O'Donovan worked.
He is also due back before the Special Criminal Court on October 5, when he is expected to be served with the book of evidence.
Law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan (25) of Abbeylands Park, Clane, Co Kildare, was charged with possession of explosives on July 22 in connection with the same investigation.
She was released on €15,000 bail subject to conditions including that she not have any contact with anyone in the republican political party Saoradh, or the New IRA, after the car she was in was stopped by gardaí on the N2 at Aclint, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, in July.
At a previous hearing in Trim District Court, Perrie Sullivan's defence solicitor stated that she had been asked to take a bag to the North, was unaware what it contained and had been "manipulated." Her case has been adjourned until September 28 next.
