Louth County Council is expected to reopen its Whiteriver landfill near Ardee today after environmental concerns forced its closure at the weekend.
The council is, however, facing a possible prosecution by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for breaches of its operating licence, after residents complained of strong odours.
The issue was discussed at an on-site meeting yesterday between local people, Ireland East MEP Maireád McGuinness and officials from the EPA's office of environmental enforcement.
Speaking after the meeting Ms McGuinness said it appeared a system which burns off methane from decaying organic matter had failed.
She told The Irish Times an examination of the day to day operation of the landfill would be carried out and consultants would be appointed to look at the gas management system.
"The office of environmental enforcement officials made it clear that the operation of the landfill site is less than satisfactory," said the Fine Gael MEP.
She said the officials would recommend to the board of the EPA that it prosecute the council for breaches of its operating licence. The relevant section of Louth County Council could not be contacted yesterday.
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