Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Tuesday, I raised the issue of diesel laundering. The office of the Leader kindly sent me a copy of the debate that took place in the Dáil, including a statement by the Minister, on petrol stretching. In the statement, the Minister said he was satisfied with the progress by the Revenue Commissioners in tackling fuel fraud and with the excellent co-operation between the Revenue Commissioners and the fuel sector. The Minister also said that, since 2011, 30 oil-laundering plants had been closed down, 3 million litres of illicit fuel had been seized and more than 120 filling stations had been closed. That is great. However, in the past week several containers of diesel sludge have been illegally dumped on Louth roads. International bulk containers - transporter containers with liquid - have been removed by contractors for Louth County Council. Six were dumped at Stephenstown Pond in Knockbridge.

There was a slight spillage from one of them. Last Wednesday Louth County Council was notified that nine barrels and one international bulk container of diesel sludge had been dumped on the roadside near Faughart graveyard. On Thursday morning cubes of diesel sludge were dumped on the roads in Kilkerley, while three IBCs of diesel sludge were dumped at Ballykelly ESB station. Years ago smuggling was a gentleman's game. Smugglers and Customs and Excise and Revenue engaged in a game of cat and mouse and if they were caught, the smugglers held up their hands and took the hit. A smuggler who attempted to smuggle several tonnes of butter or some cattle may have had his lorry seized and that would have been the end of the matter. There is some evidence to suggest those trying to deal with this matter are being intimidated. As the Cathaoirleach stated on Tuesday, it is vital that we endeavour to have the Minister come to the House before this problem gets out of control.