Irish police in bogus bombs probe

Garda officers search for weapons caches

The head of the police service In the Irish Republic is studying an internal report into allegations of corruption in his force in County Donegal.

Up to six Gardai of different ranks face the sack or prosecution as a result of the report.

The case came to light after the estranged wife of one of the officers claimed that two members of the force made and planted bags fertilizer mixture similar to that used in bombs.

These "finds" were at Rossnowlagh, Donegal town, Bridgend and Buncrana - all in County Donegal - and across the border at Strabane in County Tyrone.

Explosives were put on show after "finds"

She alleged that the officers then claimed to have uncovered, and to have helped the Royal Ulster Constabulary discover, IRA arms and explosives caches.

Their motive, it is claimed, was to enhance their promotion prospects.

For the past 16 months, Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty has been investigating these and other allegations against police officers in County Donegal.

They include claims that they harassed a publican.

Last month the Republic's Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew 160 charges against Raphoe publican Frank McBrearty and his family.

Armed Garda officer on surveillance duties

The McBrearty family had claimed they were harassed by Gardai who unfairly accused them in the killing of a local man who died after a hit-and-run accident.

The Carty Report is described as a bulky and complex document. Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne is expected to send it to the DPP by the middle of next month for the director to decide whether to proceed with any charges.

In the meantime, it is believed that the commissioner will, as chief executive of the force, transfer a number of officers as part of a senior management re-shuffle in the Donegal area.