Colum Eastwood has called on dissident republicans to end their campaign of violence after Garda special branch intercepted a car bomb close to the border in Co. Monaghan.

Two people have been arrested in what has been described as an operation targeting dissident republican activity.

The car was stopped by members of the Special Detective Unit at 3pm on July 22 south of Carrickmacross.

The Foyle MP said: “It took a significant police operation to intercept this vehicle and prevent a tragedy from taking place and I commend the officers for their efforts.”

Following the stop, An Garda Síochána requested the assistance of the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team who completed an examination of the vehicle.

The bomb, which Gardái say, was ready for use, contained a power unit, a detonator and military grade explosives.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the find as ‘extremely significant’.

A female (in her 20s), the driver of the vehicle, arrested and detained pursuant to Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 (as amended), continues to be detained.

A male ( in his 40s) has since been arrested in connection with the investigation, and is detained pursuant to Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 (as amended), at a Garda station in the Dublin region.

“This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many. The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.

“We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.

"The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind. I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good,” he said.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, Crime Department, Davy Beck said: “I very much welcome this significant seizure and the arrests made by our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, with whom we work very closely on a daily basis. This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe.

“We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required.”

Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy TD, who represents Cavan-Monaghan said: “The discovery of a sizeable bomb being transported by dissident republicans near Carrickmacross is deeply concerning. This bomb was being transported on a busy road through Monaghan communities. The seizure of the device by An Garda Síochána is to be welcomed, as a bomb of this scale could have resulted in significant loss of life.

“Those involved have no mandate, no strategy, and offer no path to Irish unity. Political and democratic means are the only way forward. It is time for these groups to disband, and for us all to focus on pursuing a peaceful and democratic path towards a united Ireland.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long praised the work of security partners, which led to the interception of what she described as a ‘significant bomb’.

The Minister said: “I unequivocally condemn those responsible for this planned attack and the intent behind it. There can be no justification for actions designed to endanger lives and spread fear within our communities.

“I am extremely grateful to An Garda Síochána, the Irish Defence Forces Bomb Disposal Team, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and UK security partners for their swift and professional response in intercepting and making safe this significant explosive device before it could cause harm.

“This was a sophisticated, viable device that was reportedly completed and ready for use. The successful operation has almost certainly prevented serious injury or loss of life and is a clear demonstration of the professionalism, dedication and effectiveness of those charged with keeping the public safe.

“The incident, together with the recent attacks on police stations in Lurgan and Dunmurry, highlights the continuing threat posed by a small number of individuals who remain intent on causing harm, targeting the police and undermining community safety. These events serve as a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism has not disappeared.

“However, they also demonstrate the strength of the close and enduring cooperation between policing, security and justice partners North and South. Those intent on causing harm do not recognise borders, and our efforts to prevent, detect and disrupt such activity must continue to transcend them. While the interception of this device is reassuring and reflects the effectiveness of our security partners, we must not become complacent. We must continue to support the capabilities, partnerships and operational cooperation necessary to identify and disrupt threats before they can impact our communities.”

The Minister said that addressing the vulnerability of young people susceptible to radicalisation must continue to be a priority for government and society.

She added: “Those who continue to pursue terrorism have nothing to offer society but fear, destruction and misery. Their actions have been repeatedly rejected by our communities, which have chosen peace, democracy and the rule of law over violence and intimidation.

"The safety and security of the public remains my overriding priority, and I will continue to support the work of our policing and security partners in their efforts to keep people safe and protect our communities.”