Two men in their 40s have been arrested as part of a Garda investigation into dissident republicans. 

Yesterday evening, Gardaí from Cork City and Cork County Divisions launched an operation targeting dissidents with support from the Regional Armed Support Unit. 

As part of the operation, a vehicle was stopped and one man was arrested. 

Afterwards, an area of forestry was searched and the second man was stopped and arrested. 

Today, eight homes were raided across Cork City by local Gardaí, the Special Detective Unit, Garda Dog Unit and Garda Air Support Unit.

Several items, which were described as being of “evidential value”, were also seized. 

Gardaí said their investigation is ongoing.

Main image: A Garda and an Irish flag. Pictures by Alamy.com