Laois explosive accused told further charges under consideration

Additional charges could be brought in relation to a man who is accused of having explosives in Portlaoise. 

Garrett Pollock (35) of 12 Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down is accused of possessing an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

He appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link and has been held in custody in relation to the alleged offences since November. 

Detective Sergeant Michael Ahern from the Garda Special Detective Unit said possible further charges were being considered as well as a venue for the case.  

“There are no directions yet in relation to further charges”, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

David Nugent BL said the State has had since November 7 to bring charges. He noted one charge had been withdrawn and in the meantime his client remains in custody. 

He said “what we don’t have is certainty”, he said. 

“On November 7 he was put in on two charges. One was dropped two weeks ago”, said Mr Nugent. He expressed a concern that the matter would be allowed to “drag on” while his client remained in custody.

Det Sgt Ahern asked for an adjournment to April 7 for service of the book of evidence. 

“We are not consenting to extend time”, said Mr Nugent. 

Judge Susan Fay said she would expect that every effort should be made to progress the case “so the man knows what charges he is facing”. She said she wouldn’t make an order but she expected progress. 

“I know that the clock continues to tick with respect to the book of evidence”, said Judge Fay. 

She adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on March 23 by video link and again said she expected that there would be some progress at that stage.