An Bord Pleanála has begun a hearing on a proposed increase in the capacity of the planned municipal waste incinerator at Carranstown in Co Meath.
Presentations will be made by the developers, Indaver Ireland, and objectors, including the No Incineration Alliance.
The hearing is taking place in Drogheda and is expected to last the rest of the week.
Indaver Ireland argues that the North-East Regional Waste Plan has identified a capacity problem and its request to expand was passed by Meath County Council last year.
However, four objections were lodged against the plan, along with ten observations, and so the target of commencing construction later this year is currently on hold.
In a statement, the company said it was calling independent experts who would prove that neither human health nor the environment would be at any risk.
However, the No Incineration Alliance and other residents' groups, who have campaigned against the plant from the start, are hoping the plan for an expanded facility will be blocked.
