Five men arrested in the Republic of Ireland in connection with alleged terrorist offences have appeared before a sitting of the special criminal court in Dublin.

They were charged with membership of the IRA during the hearing on Sunday.

A sixth man being questioned by police was released without charge.

The men were arrested on Friday in Bray, County Wicklow, south of Dublin.

After the arrests, security sources said they believed a number of the men had links with the Provisional IRA.

The five men did not speak in court other than to confirm their identity.

They are Thomas Gilson, 22, from Bawnlea Avenue in Tallaght; Patrick Brennan, 38, of Lindisfarne Avenue, Clondalkin; Sean O'Donnell, 30, from Castle Drive in Sandymount; Stephen Birney, 28, from Conquerhill in Clontarf, and John Troy, 20, from Donard Avenue.

The five, all who have Dublin addresses, were remanded in custody until 16 October.