An employee at Dublin’s Collins Barracks National Museum has been remanded in custody after being charged with possessing explosives which were discovered in a car that had been stopped near the Irish border.
Arrest and court appearances
Simon O’Donovan, 44, of Sperrin Road in Drimnagh, was brought before the Special Criminal Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Saturday evening. He was formally charged with possession of explosives said to have been intercepted at St Laurence’s Road, Chapelizod, on Wednesday 22 July.
The arrest was carried out by Detective Sergeant Shane Noone, who gave evidence in court that he detained Mr O’Donovan at 5.07pm on Saturday and told him he would be charged in relation to the earlier discovery. The defendant was cautioned and responded that he did not understand, the caution being repeated to him.
Legal representation and bail attempts
Mr O’Donovan informed the court that he worked at Collins Barracks National Museum. He appeared at the criminal sitting accompanied by Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, who told the court he was not acting on formal instructions because of a solicitors’ strike over criminal legal aid fee changes and was in court as a courtesy.
"I don’t understand,"
In court the defendant said he had no proper legal representation and asked to use Mr Mackin's services. At one point the court briefly rose so the pair could consult about a bail application.
Mr O’Donovan later said he intended to represent himself in a pending bail hearing before the High Court, stating he did not have the means to privately contest the matter and describing the situation as "grossly unfair". He added that his family and friends were present in court.
Decision and next steps
State solicitor Liam Mulholland described the late-hour bail application as highly unusual in a case of this character, but acknowledged that the court must hear any bid for bail. The three-judge Special Criminal Court remanded Mr O’Donovan in custody until Monday and adjourned. Judge Patrick McGrath then returned shortly afterwards for a sitting of the High Court to hear further proceedings.
- Defendant: Simon O’Donovan, 44, of Drimnagh
- Charge: Possession of explosives
- Location of alleged interception: St Laurence’s Road, Chapelizod
- Court: Special Criminal Court, Criminal Courts of Justice, Dublin
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of alleged interception | Wednesday 22 July |
| Arrest time | 5.07pm on Saturday |
| Next court date | Remanded until Monday |
The case comes amid wider tensions around legal aid provision, with defence representation affected by a solicitors’ strike over fee changes. The Special Criminal Court’s decision to remand the accused reflects the seriousness with which matters involving explosives are treated.
Further hearings in the High Court and the Special Criminal Court are expected as the matter progresses.
