Omeath munitions find a reminder of fragile peace
The discovery of a ‘substantial’ cache of weapons hidden in a north Louth woodland was a reminder of the ‘fragile peace’ that exists, according to a Louth TD.
Deputy Declan Breathnach said the discovery of munitions in Omeath last week was ‘a stark reminder to all of the fragility of our peace process on this island.’
Deputy Breathnach explained, ‘ To begin with I would like to commend the Gardaí on their exceptional work in finding the weapons haul. Their diligence and conscientiousness has resulted in these weapons being removed from the hands of those who would wish to inflict huge scale damage with them.’
He added: ‘I would appeal to all communities across Louth to be vigilant and supportive in ensuring that where any suspicious activity is observed they report it to the relevant authorities. We need to work together against those intent on creating division and friction within communities, they must not be allowed to undermine our democracy.’
The weapons find saw around a thousand rounds of ammunition and a mortar tube unearthed by local gardai who were backed up by anti terrorist officers from the Special Branch, and the Emergency Response Unit.
The munitions were discovered in two locations, and were concealed in lunchboxes, stashed into a barrel and buried in the ground. Deputy Breathnach added: ‘ This serves as a reminder of our recent past and the frailty of peace on our island.
As vice Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement I am acutely aware that any re-ignition of a terror campaign by so called dissidents groups will be met with defiant opposition from the people of this island.’