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An Irish museum employee has been charged with possession of explosives after a 'car bomb' was driven towards the border with Northern Ireland.

Simon O'Donovan was arrested after an alleged car bomb was intercepted by a Garda Special Detective Unit near Carrickmacross, approximately six miles from the border.

The 44-year-old, who has an address in Crimagh, Dublin, appeared before the Special Criminal Court in the Irish capital on Saturday evening.

O'Donovan represented himself during a hearing where his application for bail was refused and the court was told he worked at Collins Barracks National Museum of Ireland.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Special Criminal Court again on Monday.

A trainee barrister was also charged with possession of explosives in connection to the incident which is suspected to be a new IRA operation.

Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, from County Kildare, appeared before Trim District Court on Friday after she was allegedly caught driving the car bomb towards Northern Ireland.

Her lawyer said that she was asked to take a bag across the border, and was unaware what was in it.

Simon O'Donovan turns away from the camera as arrives at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Saturday

The 44-year-old was charged with possession of explosives after a 'car bomb' was intercepted by police near the border with Northern Ireland

During a search of the vehicle, a bag was found in the back seat which contained Semtex and a detonator, the court heard.

Perrie Sullivan was granted bail but remains in custody ahead of another bail hearing on Monday.

Irish police said they made an 'extremely significant seizure' of a device which was made from military-grade plastic and could have caused significant damage.

It is understood that the device is the most sophisticated bomb seized by police since the Troubles.

Her solicitor, Gavin Booth, also told the district court she was previously a member of a 'political group' and had spent time in Syria.

Mr Booth, however, said Sullivan had stepped away from politics as she focused on her studies as a barrister.

Sullivan, reportedly known as Perrie, was a student at ATU Donegal in Letterkenny and graduated last year with a law degree.

He added that Sullivan, who lives with her father, had been 'manipulated' and that they are unable to comprehend this week's events.

Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, was arrested after Irish police said they made an 'extremely significant seizure' of a device on Wednesday

The trainee barrister pictured leaving Trim District Court on Friday evening after she was granted bail

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly spoke to reporters during a graduation event on Friday

If she was granted bail, her parents would keep her on a 'tight rein and ensure she abides by all conditions,' Mr Booth said.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed details of the operation as he spoke to media at a Garda graduation event in Co Tipperary on Friday.

'To be clear, what we found was an extremely significant seizure,' he said. 'So this was an explosive device.'

He added: 'Any seizure of this nature is really concerning.