Gardaí have said an operation is underway in Co Louth as part of ongoing investigations targeting the activities of dissident Republican groups.

A search operation began on Friday morning at lands near Omeath on the Cooley Peninsula.

During the searches, Gardaí recovered a "substantial quantity" of ammunition of varied calibre - along with a suspected mortar tube.

Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams are assisting at the site and a cordon is in place.

The search is expected to continue into Saturday.

The operation is being led by members of the Garda Special Detective and Emergency Response Units.

No arrests have been made.