THE ENVIRONMENTAL Protection Agency visited the Carranstown incinerator in Co Meath 48 times over the past year a public hearing by An Bord Pleanála was told yesterday.
None of the visits by the agency found any problem at the plant which also received three visits by the Health and Safety Authority.
There were also audits by officials from Meath County Council and the HSE, the hearing into an application by Indaver Irl for an expansion of the plant was told by Jane Hennessy, the company’s communication manager.
The company has applied for permission to increase the capacity of the plant from 200k tonnes annually to 220k tonnes.
The company has also sought permission to accept some additional forms of hazardous and non-hazardous materials including waste from hospitals and other medical facilities such as bandages, incontinence pads, gloves, gowns and expired medicines.
“The products deemed hazardous include items such as old paint tins, household detergents, make-up products like lipstick and mascara, face wipes and dishwasher tablets,” said Ms Hennessy.
The €140 million waste to energy plant near Duleek in east Meath began operating in September 2011.
Ms Hennessy told the hearing the company monitors every aspect of its operation every half hour of the day and night.
Recent concerns about noise and odour from the plant were being addressed through a new silencer and a new odour reduction system, she said. The increased capacity was needed to deal with hazardous waste which is currently exported to Holland, Sweden and Germany, Ms Hennessy claimed.
The hearing is due to continue until Friday with a decision by An Bord Pleanála expected next month.