Eight men being questioned by Gardaí in connection with suspected dissident republican activity have had their period of detention extended.

The men, who range in age from their 20s to their 50s, were arrested yesterday afternoon following the search of a premises in Clondalkin by the Garda Special Detective Unit.

It has since emerged that a loaded firearm was recovered during the search which has been sent to Garda Headquarters for a forensic examination.

A further ten searches have been carried out as part of the on-going investigation.