Two men have been arrested in Co Louth after explosive components were seized during a search linked to a long-running Garda investigation targeting dissident groups. The suspected explosive material and component parts were taken following an operation by the Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) on Friday. The arrests followed lengthy Garda investigations, with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly calling the find “particularly significant”. Both men, one in his 50s and the other in his 20s, are being detained at Garda stations in the north-east of the country under the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. Speaking on the operation, Kelly said he has contacted PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher to continue work countering dissident groups. He said the search and arrest operation by the SDU shows the work carried out by Garda national security personnel, and the need to dismantle the threat from those “intent on destroying peace”. The men remain in Garda custody while the investigation continues.