A man has appeared in court in connection with dissident Republican activities in the border region.

24-year-old Adrian Crevan Mackin from 16 Mullach Alainn, Omeath, County Louth has been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself on the IRA.

Mr Mackin was arrested following a number of searches in the Dundalk and Newry areas on Friday.

They were the result of a coordinated operation between gardaí and the PSNI.

The 24-year-old appeared before a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court this afternoon charged under Section 21 of the Offences Against the State Act.

The court heard that Mr Mackin made no reply when charged with the offence.

He has been remanded in custody to appear again on Thursday the 22nd of January, at which time applications for bail and legal aid are expected to be made.