Extremely significant' bomb in car intercepted on way to NI, Irish police say

'Extremely significant' bomb in car intercepted on way to NI, Irish police say

Irish police have intercepted a vehicle containing an extremely significant bomb as it was being driven toward the border for an attack in Northern Ireland, officials announced on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The vehicle was stopped on the N2 near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, at approximately 15:00 local time on Wednesday. The operation, which Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described as intelligence-led, targeted dissident republican activities and was carried out by the Garda’s Special Detective Unit.

Two people have been detained on suspicion of offenses against the state. A woman in her 20s, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and remained in custody as of Friday. A man in his 40s was subsequently arrested and is being held at a Garda station in the Dublin area.

Details of the Device

Following the stop, the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called in to examine the car. Garda sources described the bomb as advanced and highly sophisticated, reporting that it contained a power unit, a detonator, and military grade explosives. Sources further indicated the device was intended for use as an under-car bomb.

Commissioner Kelly clarified that the seizure involved a fully constructed explosive device rather than just a collection of components. Speaking to reporters in County Tipperary, Kelly stated:

"This was an explosive device and it would have or could have potentially caused significant damage."

Justin Kelly, Garda Commissioner, via BBC

Ireland's Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, confirmed the device has been defused and described the incident as very worrying, adding that it evidence the ongoing threat posed by dissident republican activity.

Security Implications and Context

The interception has drawn responses from security officials on both sides of the border. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant thanked Irish police for their quick, decisive action, stating that the move undoubtedly saved lives. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck added that the operation underlines a joint commitment to address threats from violent dissident republican groups.

The term dissident republicans refers to individuals and groups—such as the Continuity IRA and New IRA—that do not accept the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. While these groups are smaller than the Provisional IRA, which ended its campaign in 2005, they maintain access to high-calibre weapons and improvised explosive devices.

This seizure follows two other car bomb incidents in Northern Ireland this year attributed to dissident republicans, including an April explosion outside a police station on the outskirts of Belfast. Those events, along with this interception, echo the era of the Troubles, a conflict that resulted in almost 3,600 deaths before the 1998 peace deal.

In Carrickmacross, located about seven miles from the border, residents expressed shock at the discovery. One local woman described the event as like a throwback to a different era.

Commissioner Kelly noted that the threat from radicalised republicans is one the Gardaí will continue to face for some time. Police continue to liaise across the border as the investigation into the two suspects proceeds.