The trial of four men charged in connection with the discovery of a massive explosives haul in Howth, Co Dublin, last year was adjourned at the Special Criminal Court yesterday after an application by defence counsel.
Mr Eamonn Flanagan (42), of The Square, Skerries, Mr Seamus McLoughlin (66), of Balkill Park, Howth, and Mr Michael Blount (48), of Bath Road, Balbriggan, are charged with the possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or to enable another person to do so at West Pier, Howth, on January 5th last year. They are also charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance on the same date. A fourth man, Mr Joseph Dillon (52), of Green Lawn, Skerries, is charged with possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or to enable another person to do so at Windswept, Golf Links Road, Bettystown, Co Meath, on January 5th last year, and with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance on the same date.
Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, for Mr Blount, applied for an adjournment for 48 hours. He said Mr Blount's solicitor had requested certain information from the State last October concerning the location of gardai who would give visual identification evidence. The defence wanted to instruct its own engineer to take measurements on Howth pier. Mr Hartnett said that additional evidence had been served on Monday night which could be "of huge significance", and he required time to consider it. His application was supported by counsel for the other three defendants and the court adjourned the trial until tomorrow. ) All four men were remanded on continuing bail.