People objecting to plans for a meat factory to discharge waste water into the River Boyne say recent low water levels have heightened their fears.
hey worry there is limited scope for the river to cope with potential contamination with less water flowing during warm spells.
Meath County Council granted permission earlier this year for Dawn Meats to run a pipeline discharging treated wastewater from a plant in Slane into the river.
The permission has been appealed against and An Bord Pleanála is expected to make a decision.
More than 400 submissions were made to the council expressing concern over the plans.
Peter Whelan, a spokesman for Save the Boyne and local Aontú representative, said people are worried about the potential impact on fisheries and the environment.
“Some people will say there’s an acceptance the solution to pollution is dilution, but we don’t agree with that,” he said. “Water levels have been very low in August up to the start of this month.
“There are parts of the river used by people in canoes and kayaks, but those people had to get out of their kayak or canoe recently and carry it beyond parts of the river where the water has fallen low.” He said an alternative solution should be found.
Fisheries scientist Ken Whelan said the river plays a crucial role for local wildlife, including otters, salmon and lamprey. Better long-term plans are needed in the region to help the river cope with extreme events, he added.
“I think people are right to be concerned, particularly after the summer we have just encountered and also remembering we have had some savage events as well in terms of high water,” Mr Whelan said.
“High water and low water extremes are something we are going to experience more into the future.
“Because the Boyne is a region that is so heavily populated, people are demanding a lot of it now. It’s a natural cleaner of water, with effluent going in from different sectors. The river does a great job, but if we get a long drought, how do we cope with that scenario?”
Dawn Meats said it has “a long-term commitment to sustainability and high environmental standards” and takes local concerns very seriously. A spokesperson said its plans will deliver safer water treatment at a higher standard than at present.
“Third-party studies, including a natural impact statement, have assessed no negative impact on the River Boyne or surrounding habitats. The new facility will be subject to regular monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with licensing requirements,” the spokesperson added.
An Bord Pleanála said it has been considering further submissions and its planning inspectorate is due to complete an inspection of the site and a report on the proposals.