Pollutants released from an incinerator in Wales have been found in birds' eggs in the southwest of Ireland, according to a study undertaken by researchers at National University of Ireland, Cork.
Dr John O'Halloran, a researcher at the Environmental Research Institute said although the amounts present were "small" they "are of concern because you have a pollutant appearing that should not be there at all".
The study found the pollutants were consistently present over a 10-year period and scientists believe they were released by an incinerator in Pontypool in South Wales that was closed in 2002
The Green Party Cork South Central TD, Mr Dan Boyle, claims the results of the survey undermine the arguments in favour of building the national toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy.
Reacting to the study Mr Boyle said: "It is clear that we should learn from these mistakes and reject all attempts to build a similar incinerator here in Ireland"