Knackery Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 February 2012

Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Questions (161)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

164 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will revoke the licence of a knackery which, located next to a preschool centre for children with special needs and public residences, is apparently in breach of European Communities (Knackery) Regulations, 1996 which state that the owner of a licensed knackery shall, subject to Regulation 11(1), ensure that the premises of the knackery is adequately separated from the public highway and other premises. [11758/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Knackeries are approved and supervised by my Department in accordance with Animal By-Product (ABP) Regulations (EC) No. 1069/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 142/2011, which lay down the health rules as regards the use and disposal of ABP and superseded the regulations referred to by the Deputy.

All such establishments are inspected on a risk basis by officials of my Department to ensure that the conditions attached to their ABP approvals are adhered to and that any non-compliances identified by the inspectorate in relation to the above regulations are addressed immediately.

Issues relating to noise pollution and odours from such premises are a matter for environmental rather than ABP regulation, which in this case is administered by the Local Authority.