The Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Newry & Armagh, Danny Kennedy MLA, has condemned those responsible for the latest episode of illegally dumped diesel and illicit fuel residue in the Keady / Newtownhamilton area of South Armagh.
Mr Kennedy said: “Up to 12 pods of illegal fuel waste had been dumped in the Aughnagurgan Road / Clarkes Road area, as well as the Upper Darkley Road, Keady over the weekend, causing serious inconvenience and concern to local residents as well as potentially lethal environmental damage to a local watercourse.
“Local people are at their wits end because of the ongoing persistent problem caused by rogue fuel operators, most of whom are suspected of having links to Republican paramilitaries.
“I have raised the issue with the PSNI again in the hope that effective action can be mounted against those responsible.
“There is the ongoing cost to the taxpayer in terms of lost revenue to HMRC, as well as the environmental damage and the cost of the subsequent clear up operations by NIEA.
“I am most concerned at the impact these countless episodes are having on the small and beleaguered Protestant community in this part of South Armagh. More must be done to deal with this problem and bring those responsible to full and proper account.”
