The UVF launched further attacks in the Republic of Ireland during December 1972 and January 1973 , when it detonated three car bombs in Dublin and one in Belturbet , County Cavan , killing a total of five civilians . It would attack the Republic again in May 1974 , during the two-week Ulster Workers ' Council strike . This was a general strike in protest against the Sunningdale Agreement , which meant sharing political power with Irish nationalists and the Republic having more involvement in Northern Ireland . Along with the UDA , it helped to enforce the strike by blocking roads , intimidating workers , and shutting any businesses that opened . On 17 May , two UVF units from the Belfast and Mid-Ulster brigades detonated four car bombs in Dublin and Monaghan . Thirty-three people were killed and almost 300 injured . It was the deadliest attack of the Troubles . There are various credible . allegations that elements of the British security forces colluded with the UVF in the bombings . The Irish parliament 's Joint Committee on Justice called the bombings an act of " international terrorism " involving the British security forces . Both the UVF and the British Government have denied the claims
three car bombs in Dublin
1972 and 1973 Dublin bombings
Ulster Volunteer Force