A Garda Chief Supt has told the Special Criminal Court he believed a Co Louth man arrested at the Neptune Beach Hotel last year was a member of an illegal organisation.
Chief Supt Michael Finnegan, who is in charge of the Louth Meath Division, was testifying at the trial of Mr Sean Mulligan (52), of Carnalughogue, Co Louth. He was one of four men arrested in a room at the hotel in Bettystown, Co Meath, last year.
Mr Mulligan pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA, on July 29th last year.
Supt Finnegan said his belief was based on confidential information.
Prosecuting counsel Mr Edward Comyn SC said the evidence in support of the charge against Mr Mulligan included the evidence of Chief Supt Finnegan.
Mr Comyn said there would also be evidence arising from a search of Mr Mulligan's house on March 1st last year and from a search of his house after his arrest.
The trial continues tomorrow.