Over €200k already spent on works to 'ghost ship' since it landed on Cork coast in February

The MV Alta was washed onto rocks by the force of Storm Dennis about three miles west of Ballycotton on February 15

Customs officers inspecting the cargo ship MV Alta on rocks near the village of Ballycotton, Co Cork. Picture: Oisín Keniry

Works on the 'ghost ship' the MV Alta which washed onto the shores of east Cork last February have already cost Cork County Council more than €200,000.

The local authority admitted that while efforts continue to find the owner of the vessel, "the removal of any potentially hazardous or polluting cargo from the vessel and works and inspections to date have cost in excess of €200,000."