A 25-year-old law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, has been charged in connection with a viable explosive device found in a car in County Monaghan. Sullivan, from Clane, County Kildare, appeared at Trim District Court on Friday evening facing a charge of possession of explosives.

The court heard allegations that Sullivan was driving the vehicle when it was intercepted by gardaí (Irish police) on the N2 at Aclint, south of Carrickmacross, on Wednesday. The interception was part of an operation targeting dissident republican activity, according to gardaí.

During a search of the car, officers discovered a bomb in a bag in the rear of the vehicle. A member of the Garda Special Detective Unit informed the court that the device contained a timing power unit, a detonator, and what was believed to be Semtex, a type of plastic explosive. The Irish Defence Forces were subsequently called to the scene and confirmed the bomb was viable.

Sullivan's defence solicitor stated that his client had been asked to transport a bag to Northern Ireland and was unaware of its contents. The solicitor also noted that Sullivan lives with her father, is studying for a law degree, and aspires to become a barrister.

District Court Judge John Coughlan indicated he would grant Sullivan bail, subject to a €15,000 (£12,800) independent surety. Additional bail conditions include surrendering her passport, observing a curfew, providing her phone number to gardaí, and signing on daily at a garda station in County Kildare. Sullivan was remanded in custody pending a further bail hearing scheduled for Monday.

The discovery of the explosive device near the border with Northern Ireland highlights ongoing security concerns. Gardaí have been actively monitoring activities linked to dissident republican groups in the region.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in intercepting and neutralizing explosive devices. The nature of the device, reportedly containing Semtex and a timing mechanism, suggests a level of sophistication in its construction.

Further investigation will likely focus on the origins of the device and the network involved. The court's decision on bail will be closely watched, given the seriousness of the charges and the potential implications for national security.