DUBLIN — Irish police say they have uncovered a major arms and explosives cache and described it as a significant blow to dissident republicans.

The find included a machine gun, bomb-making equipment and assorted ammunition. The items were found hidden in a wood in County Louth.

Police commissioner Fachtna Murphy says the haul is a step forward in targeting and disrupting the Irish Republican Army's activities.

Monday's operation came after ten arrests over the weekend and a series of raids against suspected IRA dissidents.

Two men were charged with membership in an IRA splinter group and possessing weapons in Dublin on Sunday.

IRA dissidents opposed to peace in neighboring Northern Ireland have detonated a half-dozen car bombs this year in the British territory.