THREE landfill sites in Donegal and one fish factory in Killybegs have been identified in a new EU report published last week as being among the State's leading air polluters.

The report was produced in connection with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and names 183 Irish businesses, four of which are in Donegal, as contributing to air pollution. Ballynacarrick landfill site in South Donegal, Balbane landfill site outside Ardara and Churchtown landfill site in Lifford along with United Fish Industries in Killybegs have all been named in the report.

The figures given were yearly emissions for 2004, and in regard to this, Churchtown landfill was shown to emit 361 tonnes of methane, Balbane landfill emitted 237 tonnes while Ballynacarrick emitted 1010 tonnes.

Peter Cunningham from the EPA explained: "The fact that these four places in Donegal have been included in this report does not mean they are doing anything wrong or illegal. Yes, they do have significantly high emissions but this is a sign of industry rather than anything else."

He continued: "With regard to landfills it is interesting to note that three in Donegal have been included in the report. The issue of landfills in the county has been a pretty contentious one over the last year, particularly with regard to the proposed site at Meenaboll in Fintown. It's a well known fact that people don't want a landfill site close to them, but Donegal County Council are also under pressure to meet their waste management targets."

"We, in the EPA work very closely with the managers of sites in Donegal to ensure that they are being managed properly. And we are continually calling for standards to be improved."

"The demise of Fruit of the Loom and Hospira means there is not much action on the industry front in Donegal anymore so it is interesting that the majority of places listed in the report were landfill sites."

With regard to United Fish in Killybegs, Mr Cunningham commented: "We would be aware that there are certain issue here with regard to odour problems. The emissions listed in the report, however, are simply indicative of the fact that the factory is in operation. Of all the businesses listed in the report, this one actually comes pretty low down on the list of emissions."

"The most exciting thing from the EPA's point of view is that companies are now providing reports to us at the same time which enables us to keep a record and monitor the amount of emissions being produced."