Clinical waste from a public and a private hospital in Dublin is understood to be among material found at an illegal dump in Co Wicklow, The Irish Times understands.
There are suspicions as to where the waste originated, although the investigation is still in its early stages. Investigators are examining the possibility that the waste was collected from hospitals by an unlicensed operator.
The unauthorised site, on agricultural land in the Glen of Imaal, contained used body fluid bags, bloody bandages, used swabs and syringes, and used tubing from operations. Confidential health records and patient account details were also found at the site, five miles from the village of Donard.
It is not yet clear to investigators if the material was dumped on a single occasion, or if it has been happening for some time.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) has established an inquiry to ascertain the source of the hospital waste. Ms Maureen Browne, of the ERHA, said in a statement the authority "has also asked all publicly funded acute hospitals in the eastern region to confirm that the arrangements they have in place for the management and disposal of waste are in compliance with the guidelines of the Department of Health and Children".
The ERHA has also sought an assurance that waste material from the hospitals was not included in material found at the site. Wicklow County Council said on Thursday it was urgently preparing legal action against those they believe are responsible.
However, the council did not comment yesterday on the state of the investigation, despite repeated requests from The Irish Times.
Material at the dump is believed to be linked to four Dublin hospitals, but there is no implication of any wrongdoing on their part. There were indications that one hospital was the source of the waste, but this institution said it had not been officially told by Wicklow County Council the site contained its material.
However, the hospital has been told by the council it would be informed if and when it felt it was appropriate, and could then examine the material and meet the council.
Waste from hospitals is divided into two types, household and clinical, based on Government guidelines. Clinical waste, such as material used in operating theatres, must be disposed of by a specialist contractor, under licence of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The two types of waste have been found at the site, and investigators are examining why the types have been mixed.
A Department of Health spokesman said clinical waste from virtually all publicly funded acute hospitals was disposed of through a national contract with Sterile Technologies Ireland Ltd, based in Dublin.
Investigators are satisfied the company has correctly disposed of material it collected. .Mr Des Rogers, the company's managing director, said clinical waste must be placed by a hospital into yellow bags and then yellow wheelie bins, which are all marked and can be traced.