Mayo garda receive 86 petrol stretching complaints

THE Revenue Commissioners are investigating 12 claims of fuel contamination in Mayo, where 86 complaints were lodged with the gardaí.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan confirmed issues raised relating to suspect petrol quality in the county since last June were being treated very seriously. Such reports, he emphasised, are followed up by samples being sent to the State laboratory for analysis where officers have reason to suspect excise duty fraud. The Revenue Commissioners involved in the petrol stretching claims have been in contact with the oil and motor trade in this regard.

However, Mayo Fine Gael Deputy Michelle Mulherin has expressed concern that only 12 complaints in Mayo are being probed when the Mayo Division Gardaí are investigating 86 complaints.

She said: “It would seem a joint operation and a pooling of resources by Customs and Excise and the gardaí is required in relation to all complaints to ensure the best results from all investigations and bring the culprits to justice, who are lining their pockets at the expense of many victims whose vehicles have been destroyed.

“Such an approach is required to stamp out the possibility of any further contaminated petrol getting to filling station forecourts in Mayo or indeed anywhere.”

SUPPORT GROUP

Meanwhile, an online support group has been set up to assist motorists affected by petrol stretching.

The Facebook page, Petrol Stretching Victims Ireland, has been set up to discuss the issue, which has affected a significant number of motorists in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon, to try and come up with some way of getting the support they need and deserve. If you have been affected, the page moderators would encourage you to join the group, which is up and running for a few weeks now.