Two people have been arrested following the discovery of eight viable pipe bombs at a house in Co Longford.
The items were found during a search of a newly built house on Killashee Road just outside Longford town yesterday.
The Defence Forces said a team of Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene shortly after 9.30pm last night and the devices were made safe without the need for a controlled explosion before being taken to Custume Barracks in Athlone.
One theory being investigated by gardaí is whether the pipe bombs - which were viable and ready to be planted - were destined for feuding criminal gangs.
Two men aged 18 and 44 were arrested, one at the scene and the other a short time later. They are being held in Longford Garda station.
A Garda spokeswoman said the operation was part of an ongoing investigation.
A Defence Forces spokesman said bomb disposal experts were also called out to deal with six hoax devices in Dublin over the weekend.