Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the efforts being made by him or his agencies in dealing with foul smelling odours emanating from a meat rendering facility (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [12476/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Section 24(1) of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 imposes an obligation on the occupier of a non-domestic premises to use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, prevent emissions to air. Section 24(2) stipulates that an occupier of any premises must not cause or permit an emission in such a quantity, or in such a manner, as to be a nuisance. Statutory responsibility for the enforcement of the Air Pollution Act is vested in the relevant local authority. The local authorities are empowered to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit air pollution and may direct the person on whom notice is served to take such measures as may be specified to prevent or limit air pollution.

Following complaints received by Dublin City Council, I understand that Environmental Health Officers have visited these premises and, to date, there has been no requirement to take enforcement action against the occupier. The Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) within the Environmental Protection Agency supervises the environmental protection activities of local authorities, through auditing their performance, providing advice and guidance, and, in appropriate cases, giving binding directions. In this regard, the OEE is a resource for members of the public who have exhausted all other avenues of complaint. The OEE can be contacted at 1890 33 55 99.