The decontamination of soil and ground water at 34 sites across Ireland could cost the government more than €166m, according to reports.

To date over €119m in cost has been incurred by clean up operations, with an estimated €66m more needed to complete the work.

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It is understood that doesn't include the future costs of the clean up of the industrial site at Haulbowline Island in Cork and the Kerdiffstown landfill fire in Co Kildare.

The government was order in 2005 by the European Court of Justice to take action on contaminated sites after it was ruled that Ireland had not met its obligations under environmental directives.

(MH/JP)