Fianna Fáil is calling for a multi-agency approach, involving agencies North and South, to tackle fuel smuggling.

Louth TD Seamus Kirk said he is majorly concerned over the smuggling by criminals, as the dumping of toxic waste is affecting water quality in the region.

Deputy Kirk said: "The issue of fuel smuggling remains a major concern for Louth and other border counties. I have consistently called for the Government and State agencies to increase co-operation with authorities in the North and last week I sought the intervention of the Environmental Protection Agency following media reports that water for County Louth was being polluted by toxins harmful to the public. There are around 40,000 people living in Dundalk and they need assurances that their water supply is safe and hasn’t been compromised by toxins from criminal activity.

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"One measure the government should look at is to change the excise duty on agricultural diesel. The simple fact of the matter is auto diesel is considerably more expensive than agricultural diesel. If we’re in a position to take some of the incentive for smugglers away we could significantly dent the market for this illegal activity. This would likely involve compensation for farmers but I believe this is something the Government should be open to looking at."

(CD/MH)