Section of major Louth road remains closed following spillage of hazardous waste

A section of the N2 between Ardee and Collon at Knocknacleva/Funshog remains closed this morning following the spillage of hazardous waste from an overturned lorry .

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area to allow the cleanup operation to be carried out safely.

In a statement Louth County Council Said:

“Louth County Council Environment and Roads staff are currently onsite at Knocknacleva / Funshog on the N2 with An Garda Síochána to oversee a major cleanup following spillage from an overturned lorry.

"The material contains among other items battery acid, and barrels of oil, and is considered to be of a significant volume.

"An Garda Síochána and Louth County Council attended the incident last night and the road was closed around 9p.m. due to the potential hazardous nature of the spillage.

"Louth County Council Fire Service have been assisting to classify material and it has been determined that much of it falls under the category of hazardous waste, which requires removal by specialist waste removal crews, who have been onsite from 8a.m. this morning. Once the area is cleared, mechanical excavators may be utilized to dig and remove any affected bank areas to prevent seepage to lands.

"Diversions are in place at the junction of N2 and L2253 road to Philipstown on the Ardee side and at the junction of the N2 and R169 road to Dunleer on the Collon side.

"Updates will issue when the area is clear.”