More than 2,200 lorry loads of quarry gravel are crossing the border from the Republic of Ireland to provide cheaper, untaxed, aggregates to customers in Northern Ireland every week, according to a recent survey. The survey was conducted at major crossing points along the border from Strabane to Newry and results show that almost 2 million tonnes of aggregates were being imported annually into Northern Ireland from the South (where the tax does not exist). This represents 11 percent of aggregate production in those areas within 25 miles of the border. Fermanagh quarry owner Paddy Clarke of P Clarke & Sons, Lisnaskea, said: "We were told this tax was to prevent abuse of the environment, but to met I has meant more lorries on the road. The levy of 1.60 pounds a tonne enables operators from the Republic to travel up to 25 miles, at no cost, into the North."
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