The report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday is titled Investigations of Animal Health Problems at Askeaton, Co Limerick, and is contained in five volumes and a summary report.
It details the investigations into severe animal health problems which were reported at farms at Askeaton, Co Limerick, notably in the early 1990s.
After preliminary investigations by Limerick County Council in 1995, the then minister of state for Agriculture, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, asked the EPA to coordinate a wider study.
Locals were worried about human health effects and were concerned that environmental pollution was involved.
In February 1995, the investigative work was assigned to four agencies: the Veterinary Research Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture; Teagasc; the Mid-Western Health Board (MWHB); and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The agencies looked at four areas: human health (MWHB); animal health (Veterinary Research Laboratory); environmental quality (EPA) aspects; and soils, herbage and related aspects (Teagasc).
Formal investigations by the four agencies began in March 1995.
Subsidiary studies were carried out by Coillte and the MWHB on tree health and the levels of metals and other substances in vegetable produce.
Field measurements and observations took place between March 1995, and December 1998. Interim reports were published in December 1995, June 1996 and August 1998.
The report said "it is important to note that the overall findings in relation to animal health and environmental quality do not differ from the findings already contained in the three interim reports".
The operation cost about £4.19 million and involved 33 personnel from the participating agencies, including environmental and soil scientists, veterinary and medical experts, along with additional support staff.