Real Ira continua a reclutare in tutta Irlanda
Growing fears as Real IRA recruits north and south
THE Real IRA is continuing to recruit both sides of the border, according to gardai.
However, locally-based Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has reiterated that gardai have all the resources they need to meet the threat.
In recent months gardai in this area have been successful in scuppering the efforts of dissidents planning attacks on the security forces in the North.
A significant factor in these successful outcomes was the close monitoring of their activities, including those of the alleged leader of the Real IRA, who lives in Louth.
The group is continuing to plan its campaign against the peace process and according to Garda Superintendent Gerard Curley: “We are finding signs that they are recruiting and not just in this locality.”
Security sources are finding greater evidence of recruitment by the Real IRA in the North but gardai are aware of efforts in the Republic as well.
“The threat is still very much alive and there are a number of key players. We must ensure that if there is any threat at all we must prevent it before it happens,” said a senior Garda source.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said: “Intelligence-led operations targeting the activities of dissident republican groups continue to be given priority by An Garda Siochana, commensurate with the threat posed.
“Close co-operation exists at all levels between An Garda Siochana and its Northern Ireland counterparts in countering and investigating the activites of such groups.”