A series of checkpoints, jointly carried out by gardaí from counties Westmeath and Meath, has resulted in nine detections of marked gas oil over the Bank Holiday weekend.

During a two-day operation, the Road Policing Unit (RPU) from the two neighbouring counties performed checkpoints in Mullingar, Castlepollard, and Athlone.

Officers at the scene of the checkpoints reportedly targeted the use of marked gas oil, such as green diesel or red diesel, by oncoming vehicles.

A total of six vehicles were found with green diesel, while another three were detected with red diesel, according to gardaí.

In addition to this, two vehicles were seized in relation to non-payment of vehicle registration tax (VRT) and seven warnings were issued regarding VRT where motorists/owners were granted 30 days to "get it sorted".

A further two vehicles were detained by gardaí, with one of them having no insurance and the other being a disqualified driver.

The checkpoints also led to a number of fixed charge notices being issued to motorists for having no tax displayed and being unaccompanied learner drivers.

Meanwhile, a premises in Athlone was searched by gardaí "as a result of an indication by the search dog" during the Bank Holiday operation.

Speaking to Agriland, a garda spokesperson noted that these "operations happen on a regular basis."

Gardaí

Separately, gardaí confirmed yesterday (Monday, May 4) that they are investigating a number of recent thefts of quad bikes across Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon Garda Station is appealing for anyone with information to get in contact.

It has outlined a number of incidents.

Gardaí said that on May 3, a male in his early 50s reported the theft of his quad from his shed at Cloonadra, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon between 7:00p.m on May 2 and 10:00a.m on May 3, 2026.

The English registered 400cc quad is a black/multicolored Polaris Explorer.

On April 26, a male in his 30s reported the overnight theft of his red Honda 500 quad bike from his farmyard at Carnalasson, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

On February 27, a male in his early 60s reported the theft of a red Honda 520 quad overnight from a secure shed beside his home at Ballinderry, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

Detective Sergeant Keelan Brennan of Roscommon Garda Station is appealing for anyone with information or that may have seen anything suspicious in the areas mentioned during the periods to get in contact with Roscommon Garda Station or the Garda confidential line.