Five sites linked to majority of odour complaints as EPA steps up enforcement

North Cork Creameries site in Kanturk where it's dairy processing activity has been forced to ceased Up to 100 jobs could be lost. Picture: Noel Sweeney

The number of complaints made by members of the public over foul smells coming from industrial or waste sites almost doubled last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said.

In its 2025 sector enforcement summary, the EPA reported that the food and drinks sector accounted for half of all complaints it received last year, while just five sites accounted for nearly three in five complaints from the public.