A dead farm animal found in Silvermines, Co Tipperary, with a toxic substance in its system, has prompted an investigation involving a number of government departments, in the area of a former lead and zinc mine.
The investigation was launched after a post-mortem revealed a calf, which had died in the Silvermines area over a week ago, had elevated levels of lead in its system.
Now five other animals have been tested for lead poisoning, but results are not yet available from the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Limerick.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture confirmed that lead was found in the dead calf.
The circumstances of the calf's death, the ingestion of lead and the levels and presence of lead are being investigated by the Department of the Marine and Natural resources, the Department of Agriculture, the County Council and the EPA, the spokesman confirmed.
A number of factors were being investigated by the various groups, the spokesman added.
This comes as consultants on a plan for the Department of Marine and Natural resources met Silvermines residents yesterday to discuss The Management and Rehabilitation of the Silvermines Area - a report undertaken by SRK mining consultants for the Department.
The four-year plan lays out a €5.2 million project to reduce risks associated with past mining hazards in the Silvermines area.
Its remit is to prevent dust blow, improve water quality in streams, remove hazardous wastes and make mine workings and shafts safe in the Silvermines area.
Under the report, the Gortmore Tailing Management Facility (TMF), associated with dust blows over the past 20 years and blamed for adverse effects on animal and human health, will be rehabilitated.
Mr Eamom De Stafort, spokesman for the Silvermines Environmental Action Group (SEAG), said: "It is very disappointing news about the animal.
"It is received with great sadness and concern by the local community.
"This illustrates the urgency and necessity of getting to grips with pollution in this area."