A Goodman-owned meat plant in Waterford has applied to become the second in the State to be allowed to render specified risk materials (SRMs) from cattle, such as brains and spinal cords.
The application by Munster Proteins in Ferrybank is opposed by residents from a number of areas in the city and a second public meeting on the issue was held last night.
At present all SRMs, the parts of animals where BSE could occur, are taken to a plant in Co Cavan, Monery By-Products, for rendering into meat and bone-meal.
It is thought, however, that a single plant will no longer have the capacity to handle all such materials from next week when the BSE slaughter scheme brings a huge rise in the number of cattle being killed.
An initial decision on the Munster Proteins application for a licence to process SRMs is expected from the Environmental Protection Agency within a week. If, as expected, it is granted, people will have three weeks to object.
Rendering has not been carried out at the plant for some time, but residents and local politicians claim that in the 1980s, there was a severe problem of smell emanating from the factory. Residents opposed to the application held a public meeting in Ferrybank on Tuesday, while another took place in Waterford city last night.
The South Eastern Health Board and Waterford Corporation have also written to the EPA, drawing attention to the problems which existed at the plant in the past and requesting that it be allowed to operate only under stringent conditions.
Mr Hilary Quinlan, the chairman of the board and a Fine Gael member of Waterford City Council, said people were very concerned given "the history of the plant".
The mayor of the city, Mr Davy Daniels, said the previous problems had existed for a long time and he was opposed to the application.
A spokesman for Munster Proteins said the company would work to ensure there wouldn't be a smell arising from the rendering operation, and in any case this would be dealt with by the EPA in considering the application.
He also said there was no risk involved in the rendering of specified risk materials. These would arrive in sealed containers and be dealt with in accordance with whatever terms and conditions were laid down by the EPA.
