Updated 22.13

THREE OF THE nine men arrested yesterday as part of an investigation into dissident Republican activities are to appear at the Special Criminal Court tomorrow morning.

The nine men were across four counties yesterday following raids by Gardaí from the Special Detective Unit.

During the 15 separate raids, a weapon and a large amount of ammunition were seized, as well as suspected explosive material and other equipment.

Gardaí carried out the searches in Wexford, Waterford, Clare and Longford yesterday morning. Two men were arrested during the raids in Wexford, one in his 50s and one in his late 20s. In Waterford another five were taken into custody, one in his 40s, two in their 30s and two in their 20s.

A man in his mid-60s was arrested in Clare.

A ninth man, who Gardaí say is in his 20s, was arrested today in the Longford area.

The nine are being questioned on suspicion of membership of an unlawful organisation, and unlawful possession of firearms and explosives. They are being held at garda stations New Ross, Waterford, Tramore, Dungarvan and Ennis.

During one search in Wexford, a revolver was discovered along with a “large quantity” of ammunition. The suspected explosives and other equipment were found in the course of other searches.

The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation.

-Additional reporting by Sinéad O’Carroll