Garda petrol file set for dpps desk

GARDAÍ are hoping to prepare a file for the DPP on the petrol stretching scandal but have warned that the process of doing so will be ‘long, arduous and complicated’. One of the officers leading the investigation, Swinford-based Sergeant Anthony Hennelly, said the process of taking statements from motorists who believed they had engine problems as a result of kerosene being added to petrol had begun.

Sergeant Hennelly went on: “We are taking statements, examining engines where that is possible. We are hoping to prepare a file for the DPP.”

However, the investigation process won’t be simple. “Not every motorist who claims to have an engine damaged are 100 per cent sure where they bought their petrol,” Sergeant Hennelly stated. “There’s also the fact that some cars have multiple drivers.”

Following a major public meeting attended by up to 400 people in Swinford last week, it has been confirmed that the Revenue Commissioners, as well as gardaí, are investigating the alleged widespread contamination of petrol with kerosene or other substances.

One of the more high profile victims of the petrol thinning scandal is Ballina-based Annie May Reape, a Fianna Fáil member of Mayo County Council.
“My old Toyota Yaris is now in the forecourt of a garage waiting to be repaired along with about 80 other cars which were similarly damaged,” Ms. Reape said.

“It’s not too bad. I can afford to replace the car. Other victims cannot because of the cost involved. I know of one woman who says she is going to have to buy a bike because of the cost involved in getting a replacement vehicle.”

Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary has called for a compensation scheme, similar to the pyrite compensation scheme, to be put in place as soon as possible for those who have been affected by petrol stretching.

Many people who have had their engines damaged are not covered by their insurance policies. However, Swinford-based solicitor Pat O’Connor is critical of this situation. “It seems to me that some insurance companies are jumping on a bandwagon and are assuming that some sort of criminal activity is taking place,” he stated.