The Health and Safety Authority gave evidence to the An Bord Pleanála hearing into a proposed toxic waste incinerator in the Ringaskiddy area of Cork yesterday.
Mr Patrick Conneely, an inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, told the hearing that the authority is not responsible for routine emissions and such emissions would be subject to Environmental Protection Agency or local authority scrutiny.
He said officials of the process industries unit in Cork had advised Cork County Council that they were not against the granting of planning permission.
The authority came to its conclusion after examining credible accident scenario such as major spills, release of flammable or toxic vapours, fire, vapour cloud explosions etc, and the likely consequences of such events.
"We looked at the worst thing that could happen and decided whether it would be a tolerable risk to its surroundings," Mr Conneely said.
He added that the site would be subject to inspections and that Indaver would be required to demonstrate to the HSA that it had taken all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and to limit the consequences of such accidents.
The end of the three-week hearing saw residents of Ringaskiddy remain defiant that the proposed incinerator would not be built.
"Who is responsible? Who is going to ensure the health and safety of our community - the Angel Gabriel?" Mr Derry Chambers of East Cork for a Safe Environment asked. "Every agency seems to be washing its hands of us with nobody wanting responsibility for the long-term effects of any emissions."
Ms Mary O'Leary, for Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, said: "People are determined that it won't go ahead. They have had enough and paid the price of industry over the years in Ringaskiddy."
The general manager of Indaver Ireland, Mr John Ahern, said the company was satisfied with the hearing and remained confident. "Everybody got a chance to have their say. Whether it was a cook or film star, everybody had an opportunity for their voice to be heard."