Pipe-bomb found in car

A pipe-bomb was found in a car stopped by detectives targeting the activities of dissident republicans, it was disclosed today.

An army bomb disposal team was called out after officers found the device in a vehicle on the N25 Dungarvan Road, two miles from Waterford city centre last night.

Two men were arrested and taken to Waterford Garda Station. They can be questioned for up to three days under the provisions of Section 30 Offences against the State Act.

Members of the Special Detective Unit (SDU), supported by local gardai, were involved in the operation.

A Defence Forces spokesman said no controlled explosion was carried out, but that the device was made safe and removed for further examination.

"The scene was declared safe at 3.50am this morning," he added.

Earlier this week a pipe bomb, two shot guns and ammunition seized in an open area in Kiltipper, Tallaght, by officers investigating dissidents.

On the same night army bomb disposal experts were called out to Ronanstown where they made safe a viable improvised explosive device (IED).