A TOTAL OF three men have appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged over dissident republican activity and the discovery of bomb parts.

Searches in Louth, Dublin and Wexford by gardaí ahead of the visit of Britian’s Prince Charles led the arrest of four men earlier this week.

One in his 60s and the other three in their 20s, were arrested for directing terrorism, membership of an unlawful organisation and possession of explosives.

Two of the men have now been charged and appeared before a sitting of the Special Criminal Court this morning. Two others have been released without charge.

Another man in his 20s  appeared before Special Criminal Court in Dublin after a firearm and suspected bomb parts were found by gardaí in Leitrim.

Two men in their 20s were arrested after gardaí on traffic enforcement duties stopped a car at Glenfarne on Wednesday. On searching the vehicle they found a pistol and suspected explosive components.

One of the men has now appeared before the Special Criminal Court following the discovery with the second man released from custody without charge.

Read: Bomb disposal team deal with four devices just days before Prince Charles visit >