February 20, 2024

Republic of Ireland High Court dismisses challenge over chicken rearing plant license

The High Court of the Republic of Ireland has ruled against a challenge brought over a decision by the country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant an industrial emissions license to a chicken rearing plant in Co Limerick, Irish Independent reported.

Justice Conleth Bradley presided over the dismissal of the action initiated by environmental activist Peter Sweetman regarding the EPA's granting of the license to Michael Noel O'Connor. This license allowed for the operation of a facility rearing 74,000 broiler chickens at Rathcahill West, Templeglantine, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick.

A central concern raised in the case pertained to Sweetman's apprehensions regarding the disposal of manure from the intensive rearing of chickens at the said facility.

Sweetman's legal representatives contended that the EPA's decision was flawed, arguing that the disposal of the manure had not undergone proper assessment and should therefore be annulled.

It was further claimed that the EPA had the authority to address this issue but had failed to do so, neglecting to consider relevant factors and directives such as the EU Habitats, Waste Water, and Environmental Impact Directives.

In delivering the ruling, Justice Bradley affirmed that he was convinced the EPA had not exceeded its regulatory powers by failing to evaluate, authorise, and regulate the final use or disposal of the chicken manure and water washings from the facility.

He upheld that the EPA's decision to grant the license to Mr. O'Connor was justified and that the agency had appropriately defined the scope of its statutory and regulatory powers as outlined in the 1992 EPA Act.

-      Irish Independent