Louth Fianna Fáil TD Séamus Kirk has said price differentials between agricultural and motor fuels should end, after 20,000 litres of toxic diesel sludge were found dumped in Co Louth.
“This is just the latest incident of toxic sludge being abandoned near the Border by gangs involved in illegal diesel laundering,” Mr Kirk said. “It again emphasises the need for a crackdown on this criminal practice.
“Last December Fianna Fáil outlined a series of proposals to crack down on diesel laundering. The proposals included that the duty on agricultural fuels and motor fuels be made equal, with a scheme to allow farmers to reclaim the extra costs incurred.
“This would deter criminals from purchasing agricultural fuel at a lower cost, laundering it and selling it on as motor fuel for a profit. It is estimated that it would save the exchequer €155 million a year.”