The figures show a large spike in activity during the first five months of this year, with 169 seizures valued at just under €300,000 recorded between January and May.

The devices contain lithium batteries, plastic and electrical parts, which are not entering the recycling system.

Research as part of the Healthy Ireland initiative found 80 per cent of people rated their health as being good or very good this year, down from 82 per cent in 2022