Garda Michael O'Connor of Roxboro Garda Station gave evidence of arresting Edward Connery of Inis Ealga, Shannon on Wickham Street at 4.45am on Sunday.

It is alleged he was found in possession of a 7.65 millimetre calibre Belgian FN semi-automatic pistol on that date.

The court was told that Mr Connery made no reply to the charges after caution.

Inspector Pat Connolly said the gardai did not object to bail being granted to the accused subject to strict bail conditions.

The inspector asked that Mr Connery be required to surrender his passport, sign on at Shannon Garda Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 9pm and stay out of Limerick city except for court appearances, or by arrangement to consult with his legal adviser.

Solicitor for the accused, Darragh McCarthy, said his client's passport was out-of-date and he has not applied to renew it.

Judge Tom O'Donnell remanded Mr Connery on bail on his own bond of €500 to appear before the court again on May 28. He noted that the DPP's directions in the case have to be canvassed.