Gardaí have seized what’s being described as the most significant car bomb found in the south in years.
The device was discovered in a car stopped by officers in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, earlier this week.
It’s believed the ready-made device, containing military-grade Semtex explosive, was being transported by dissident republicans.
Investigators suspect it was assembled in Dublin and was being moved across the border for use in a planned terrorist attack in Northern Ireland.
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s remain in Garda custody for questioning.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly says the device had the potential to cause catastrophic destruction.
The device contained a power unit, detonator and military-grade explosive, and was fully assembled when it was intercepted.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has praised the Garda operation, describing it as a major success in protecting public safety.
The seizure is being described as one of the most significant since the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.
