A public meeting in Killala, Co Mayo, attended by more than 350 people, has pledged united and unanimous opposition to plans by Irish Environmental Processes for an asbestos disposal plant in the area.
Independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley reminded the meeting in Killala Community Hall that although there was strong local opposition to the building of an incinerator in Ringaskiddy, An Bord Pleanála overruled its own inspectors, who were against the project, because they stated that Government policy favoured such a waste disposal facility.
Irish Environmental Processes announced on Monday that it was to seek planning permission and licensing from the Environmental Protection Agency to set up a €10 million asbestos recycling plant, which would have a staff of 30, on part of the former Asahi plant in Killala.
The asbestos waste would be disposed of under licence from the ARI Technologies firm in the United States.
Mr Jarlath Munnelly, a Fine Gael member of Mayo County Council, who chaired Monday night's meeting in Killala Community Hall, said afterwards that a petition opposing the project on health and environmental grounds had been signed by everybody present.
Fears were expressed that the land belonging to Mayo County Council, adjacent to the former Asahi facility, was being offered to the asbestos disposal company.
A further meeting on the asbestos proposal has been fixed for Killala next Tuesday night.