‘Viable device’ found in Tulla

GARDAÍ in East Clare have described a pipe bomb found at a house on the Main Street in Tulla as a “viable, experimental device” and although it was not a very elaborate device, “had it activated, it had the potential to cause damage”.
According to Inspector John O’Sullivan of Killaloe Garda Station, the discovery was made on the back of arrests made earlier on Tuesday in the Tulla area.
In addition to the discovery of a pipe bomb, further follow-up searches conducted in the Sixmilebridge area on Wednesday resulted in the seizure of €1,700 worth of cannabis.
“Two gardaí from Scariff were on a routine patrol in and around Tulla. They stopped a car. There were two males in the car, one a juvenile and the other aged 22. In the car they found drug paraphernalia and they also found some shotgun cartridges.
“The car was seized and the two were brought to Killaloe Garda Station, initially for a search, and they were then detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act,” Inspector O’Sullivan outlined.
Following the arrests, gardaí obtained search warrants to carry out follow-up searches at two premises in the East Clare area. During the search of a house on Main Street in Tulla at approximately 7pm, they found a pipe bomb, which gardaí confirmed was “concealed in the bedroom”.
On its discovery, gardaí withdrew from the house, sealed off the street and called for assistance from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in Cork.
The EOD team arrived at 10.40pm and it took slightly over an hour to make the bomb safe. The scene remained cordoned off during that time and the street reopened at midnight.
Both men detained by gardaí have addresses in East Clare and gardaí said they “are involved in the drugs scene”.
Commenting on the discovery, Inspector O’Sullivan added, “It is a concern that people are resorting to these types of items. There is a danger, both to themselves and to others, so it is a cause for concern.
“The army described it as a viable device. It is what I would describe as experimental. It wasn’t a very elaborate device but it was viable and had it activated, it had the potential to cause damage,” Inspector O’Sullivan emphasised.
Following announcements that garda stations at Broadford and Mountshannon are to close at the end of this month, he indicated this is an example of what could be gained through garda patrols.
“Gardaí in East Clare are patrolling the area and the two gardaí involved were from Scariff. This patrolling is happening on a daily basis and will continue to happen on a daily basis.
“Stopping and searching happens every day. More often than not, nothing is found but on the odd occasion something is found,” he said.
The investigation into the pipe bomb is ongoing and gardaí are appealing to the public for information that may help them with their enquiries on 061 620540.