Massive clean-up bill for councils

Cash-strapped local authorities are facing growing bills to clean up toxic sludge created by illegal fuel laundering.

Louth County Council yesterday said its costs for removing and transporting diesel wash have increased by about 20% so far this year, and will outstrip the €1m-plus it cost last year.

Monaghan County Council said it has recovered 288,640 litres of toxic sludge so far this year — far exceeding last year’s total of 198,800l.