Woman, 25, charged over bomb found in car in Co Monaghan

A 25-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the discovery of a viable explosive device in a car in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Isobella Perrie Sullivan, identified as a law student residing in Clane, County Kildare, faces charges for the possession of explosives.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when Ms. Sullivan was stopped in Carrickmacross. A subsequent search of the vehicle she was driving revealed a device in a bag located in the rear of the car. According to evidence presented by a member of the Garda Special Detective Unit, the device included a timing power unit, a detonator, and what was believed to be Semtex explosive.

Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel were called to the scene and confirmed the device was viable. The prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Representing Ms. Sullivan, Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law informed the court that she lives with her father in County Kildare and is studying to become a barrister. In his ruling, Judge Raymond Finnegan granted bail under specific conditions. These include providing a €15,000 independent surety, surrendering her passport, reporting her phone number to gardaí, and signing on daily at Naas Garda Station.

Ms. Sullivan was remanded in custody with consent to bail, with the hearing scheduled to continue at Monaghan District Court on Monday. She is also subject to a curfew, ordered to remain indoors between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.