Emergency services in Monaghan deal with toxic sludge

In Co Monaghan emergency services were called in this afternoon to deal with a huge environmental threat on a cross-border road.

A large container full of diesel sludge -- the byproduct of laundered fuel --- was found abandoned on the main Castleblayney-Armagh Road at Killygola, about two miles from Castleblayney.

An environment crew from Monaghan County Council was called to deal with the trailer and gardaí diverted traffic while the operation was under way.

There were fears the toxic sludge from the discarded substance could seep into waterways or farmland.

Today’s dumping was only a short distance from a nearby lake at Killygola, which is a well known tourist-angling venue.

County Councils in Monaghan and Louth said they have been forced to spend almost €4m in sludge clearance in both counties over the past year.