*He was remanded on bail with further court appearances in Limerick (Tuesday) and Ennis (Wednesday).
A 28-year old Kilrush man has appeared in court charged with the illegal possession of ammunition for a Luger gun and parts of a cocaine press at a location in Shannon.
At Gort District Court, Shane McInerney of Cois Na Ce, Cappa, Kilrush appeared in connection with a number of charges.
After being told that the man is unemployed and has no cash for a bail bond by Det Garda James Lyons of Ennis Garda Station, Judge Alec Gabbett said, “Looking at the charge sheets he is not unemployed but of course he is entitled to the presumption of innocence but it doesn’t look like he is unemployed”.
After looking at the charges, Judge Gabbett asked the court, “What was he doing with ammunition for a Luger pistol”.
In the case, Mr McInerney is charged with having in his possession 4 x 9mm rounds of Luger ammunition and 5×9 18 mm Makarov calibre rounds in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not them in his possession for a lawful purpose at Bothar na Luachra, Shannon, Co Clare on May 22nd 2024.
The charge is contrary to Section 27A of the Firearms Act 1964.
On the same date, Mr McInerney is charged with having in his possession a Bottle Jack and a number of metal plates as parts for a cocaine press in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that he possessed the Bottle Jack and the metal plates for a purpose connected with the commission of a drug trafficking offence on May 22nd 2024 at Bothar na Luachra, Shannon
Mr McInerney is also charged with having in possession cocaine on May 22nd 2024 at Bothar na Luachra, Shannon contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
There was no objection to bail for Mr McInerney as Det Lyons said that he has strong ties to the area.
Judge Gabbett said that he was not satisfied to remand the accused on bail without conditions.
Judge Gabbett said that Mr McInerney is to sign on twice weekly at Kilrush Garda Station and observe a curfew of 9pm to 7am each night and provide his mobile phone number to Gardai.
Mr McInerney is also facing charges concerning driving without insurance, driving under the influence of an intoxicant and dangerous driving at Kilmallock Rd, Limerick on May 2nd 2024.
Judge Gabbett remanded Mr McInerney on bail to appear at Ennis District Court next Wednesday on the alleged Clare offences and to Limerick District Court on Tuesday for the alleged Limerick driving offences.
