Two men jailed for four years in connection with the discovery of a "Real IRA" training camp in Co Meath have had their sentences increased to six years.
The Court of Criminal Appeal decided to grant an appeal by the DPP that the sentences were unduly lenient.
Seamus McGreevy (47), a farmer, of Stamullen, Gormanston, Co Meath, and Martin Conlon (31), Railway Street, Armagh city, were jailed after being arrested at the training camp in October 1999. They were due for release next week.
They had already been given periods of temporary release and Conlon came back from his home in Armagh for today's decision.
Their lawyers had complained that, although their clients were sentenced as far back as March 2001, the DPP's appeal was not heard until yesterday, just days before the men's release date, October 19th.
Granting the DPP's application, the three judges, Mr Justice Murray, presiding, Ms Justice Carroll and Mr Justice Peart, said the court was satisfied the Special Criminal Court had erred in principle in imposing the four year term.
Mr Justice Murray said the court did not attach a lot of weight to the fact the men were due for release next week. The men would have been aware the DPP's appeal was pending, he said.
Of eight other persons charged in connection with the discovery of the camp, none remain in custody, the court was told.
The training camp was discovered in the cellar of the ruins of Herbertstown House near Stamullen, Co Meath. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and clothing were found.