Opposition was growing last night to plans by an Irish firm to transform asbestos into a "harmless gravel" suitable for use in the construction industry at a site in north Mayo, despite assurances from the company that there were no environmental risks involved.
Irish Environmental Processes (IEP) announced yesterday morning that it was to seek planning permission and licensing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up a €10 million asbestos recycling plant, with a payroll of 30, on part of the former Asahi plant in Killala.
IEP managing director, Mr James Cahill, used phrases such as "pioneering new technology" and "a proven technology" to describe the means by which the asbestos waste would be disposed of under licence from the ARI Technologies firm in the US.
But local politicians and community leaders seemed unanimously unimpressed after they had been briefed by IEP executives at an early morning meeting in Ballina.
Mr Cahill said the plant would generate €1 million in additional annual revenue for the local community.
He assured the delegation that the plant would handle only asbestos waste from the Republic and no medical waste or radioactive material would be involved.
One of those who attended the meeting, Killala based GP, Dr Joe Gilvarry, expressed concern about the possible health implications which the plant posed for the local community. Afterwards, Dr Gilvarry said he was "vehemently opposed " to the project.
He added: "The connection between asbestos and chronic lung problems together with cancer and fibrosis of the lungs is well documented.
"The planned facility would introduce an asbestos problem to the area. The plant would have a 10 year life-span and leave a lifetime of consequences."
Independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley, said there wasn't any consensus amongst the local group which attended the meeting that the venture should go ahead.
"I share the worries of the local community," Dr Cowley stated. "There are lots of unanswered questions."
Dr Cowley said he was particularly concerned about information he had gleaned from the ARI Technologies website which indicated that the US company would be supplying the Dublin based IEP with "a large scale waste treatment system for the destruction of asbestos and other waste".
Dr Cowley indicated he was particularly concerned about the "other waste" capability. He added: "It seems to me that we are getting all the dirty industries in the west of Ireland. We don't want jobs that nobody else wants."
Following yesterday's meeting, Mr Jarlath Munnelly, a Fine Gael member of Mayo County Council for the Killala area, said he had not been convinced by the IEP representatives as to the need to locate a rendering facility for asbestos on the west coast.
"As far as I can see there is massive opposition amongst the local community to such a project," Cllr Munnelly stated.
Mr Cahill, was confident that despite the reservations the project would go ahead.
He hoped that the company would be in a position to apply for planning permission to Mayo County Council next year.
The technology uses a thermo -chemical conversion process that transforms asbestos into a harmless gravel, Mr Cahill said.
It had been developed over the past 14 years in the US by ARI Technologies.
All the asbestos material would arrive sealed in heavy duty polythene and would be handled under strictly controlled conditions.
"This system will provide a solution to Ireland's current asbestos waste problem in compliance with national and EU waste policy," Mr Cahill stated.