Inquiry into dumping of dead animals

An investigation into the discovery of hundreds of animal carcasses on an unauthorised site in Co Westmeath was ongoing last …

An investigation into the discovery of hundreds of animal carcasses on an unauthorised site in Co Westmeath was ongoing last night.

Following complaints from locals regarding a site near Kilbeggan town, Westmeath County Council carried out preliminary examinations on Tuesday before handing the site over to the Department of Agriculture.

Hundreds of animal heads and animal bones were discovered on the unauthorised dumping site, located close to the Excel meat factory and the N6 motorway currently under construction.

To date, no evidence of pollution has been found according to Murty Hanly, director of environment with the council.

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On discovery of agricultural by-products, responsibility for the site was handed over to the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday night as it falls within its area of responsibility, Mr Hanly said. Last night, however, a Department of Agriculture spokeswoman said that illegal dumping is a matter for the local authority.

She added that the department would co-operate with the council in relation to any department regulations which may have been broken.

"We have offered to assist the department in any way possible. Hopefully the confusion between the council and department will be resolved," said Mr Hanly.

Local Fine Gael TD Paul McGrath said the discovery raised serious concerns for the local environment.

Although there are strict controls in place regarding the disposal of dead animals, Mr McGrath said it would be necessary to establish if these regulations had been adhered to.

"We need to also establish how long those animals have been buried there, whether it has affected the local water supply, and what effect this will have," added Mr McGrath.