Two men arrested over alleged criminal activity in Cork 

Gardaí in Cork have arrested two men following an operation targeting criminal activity in the county.

The arrests were made early this morning after an operation was put in place after gardaí received intelligence relating to organised crime activity in Munster.

It is understood that one of the men in garda custody is suspected of having links to the Real IRA.

As part of the probe gardaí are searching woodland in Carrignavar, Co Cork.

The men are being detained in different garda stations in Cork. 

They can be held for an initial period of up to 12 hours.

The men, who are in their 40s, are being questioned under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act.

A garda spokesperson this evening said:

"As part of an investigation into dissident republican activity, gardaí have arrested two males (aged in their 40s). 

"The two males are currently detained under section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended, in garda stations in Cork city.

"Yesterday evening, 10th March 2025, gardaí attached to Cork City and Cork County divisions supported by Crime Special Branch, Cork City and Regional Units including the Regional Armed Support Unit were involved in an operation targeting dissident Republican activity during which a vehicle was stopped in which one male was arrested.

"An area of forest and adjoining lands was subject of a follow up search when the second male was stopped and arrested.

"During the course of today, 11th March 2025, follow up searches were carried out at eight domestic residences across Cork city. 

"Gardaí attached to Cork City and Cork County Divisions have today been supported by the Special Detective Unit, Garda Dog Unit and Garda Air Support Unit.

"Items of evidential value have been recovered across the range of searches and operational activity which has taken place.

"Investigations are ongoing at this time."

The spokesperson added that as two men are currently in garda custody "An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment at this time".