Containers of deadly chemical destroyed in Dublin

South Dublin County Council says it has successfully disposed of several cylinders containing the deadly chemical hydrogen cynanide.

The dangerous agricultural fumigant had been stored by pest control company Rentokil at its premises in Ballymount and the council had been approached to destroy it.

The council had initially considered disposing of the chemical at the army rifle range in Co Wicklow, triggering considerable local opposition.

It was instead neutralised by a US company over the past few days at a compound at Grange Castle in Co Dublin.

South Dublin County Council says the operation was carried out successfully and with no threat to the surrounding area.