Two held over explosives find

The explosive material was found on farmland in County Kilkenny

Two men are still being questioned by police in the Republic of Ireland following the discovery of explosives in County Kilkenny.

The find is understood to be part of an intensive investigation into the activities of dissident republican groups.

On Wednesday, Gardai recovered what was described as a "large quantity" of commercial explosives.

Four bags of powerful Frangex explosive were found by Gardai after a two day operation in the County Kilkenny village of Kilmacow in the south east.

The bags of sticks of the material, which is similar to Semtex, were found inside a plastic drum.

The operation involved the Garda's crime and security division and special detective squad as well as local detectives in Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Two men have been arrested and are being held in separate Garda stations, one in Thurles, County Tipperary, and the other in Waterford city.

One of the men being detained under the Republic's anti-terrorist legislation is believed to be in his 20s while the other detainee is understood to be in his 50s.

Frangex is an explosive used mainly in mining operations.