Challenge to EPA licence `premature'

An application by a Co Tipperary company for leave to challenge conditions attached to a pollution control licence was "premature…

An application by a Co Tipperary company for leave to challenge conditions attached to a pollution control licence was "premature", a High Court judge said yesterday.

National By Products, which operates a rendering plant, processing animal by products, at Castleblake, Rosegreen, Cashel, is challenging three conditions imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in respect of an integrated pollution control licence granted on December 29th last.

Mr Brian Murray, for the company, said the conditions were impermissibly vague and imprecise and could result in future obligations costing the company millions of pounds.

Mr Justice Barr was told the conditions related to odour emissions and water quality.

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The company claimed the EPA had no power to impose potentially open ended conditions in respect of a licence.

Mr Justice Barr said it seemed the appropriate course for the company was to wait and see if its fears were realised and if the terms were ultra vires the licence. The company would be free to come back to the court at that stage.