A 25-year-old law student has been charged in connection with a viable bomb discovered in a car in County Monaghan, Republic of Ireland. Isobella Perrie Sullivan, from Clane, County Kildare, appeared in court on charges of possession of explosives.

The vehicle was intercepted by gardaí (Irish police) on a section of the N2 road near Carrickmacross on Wednesday. Authorities stated the interception was part of an operation targeting dissident republican activity, and they believed the device was intended to be driven across the border into Northern Ireland.

During a search of the car, officers found a bag in the back containing what they described as a viable bomb. A member of the Garda Special Detective Unit informed the court that the device included a timing power unit, a detonator, and suspected Semtex plastic explosive. The Irish Defence Forces were called to the scene and confirmed the bomb was viable.

Sullivan, who is studying to become a barrister and lives with her father, was granted bail under strict conditions. These include providing a €15,000 (£12,800) independent surety, surrendering her passport, observing a curfew, providing her phone number to gardaí, and signing on daily at a local station.

The court heard that the operation was focused on dissident republican activity, a persistent concern in the border region. Such groups have been responsible for sporadic attacks in recent decades, often targeting security forces or infrastructure, and have sought to disrupt the peace process.

The interception and subsequent charge underscore the ongoing efforts by Irish security forces to counter potential threats. The discovery of a device believed to contain Semtex highlights the capabilities of groups seeking to carry out attacks.

Sullivan was remanded in custody, with a further bail hearing scheduled for Monday. The case will continue to be processed through the courts, with investigators likely focusing on the origin and intended use of the explosive device.

Further details regarding the specific dissident republican activity being targeted have not been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet commented on potential further arrests.