SDLP Group Leader on Newry and Mourne District Council Connaire McGreevy has spoken with shock at discovering that NMDC had to in excess of £40,000 in the last month disposing of abandoned toxic waste.

Councillors were sent information by council officers on Wednesday which showed that there had been five incidents reported that day alone.

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Cllr McGreevy said: "This is highly dangerous material, often fuel waste, being abandoned in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and barrels on our roadsides and in at least one case known to me, by a community centre.

"This could bring anyone into contact with very harmful substances and it is a risk to public health and safety as well as the wider environment.

"On top of that, the disposal of this material is a delicate and expensive process and it is costing taxpayers a fortune – it has to stop.

"I urge people as a matter of priority to report any activity on this front to the PSNI."

(CD)