The Environmental Protection Agency has received 81 submissions from members of the public about the proposal by Teagasc to conduct outdoor trials of genetically modified potatoes.
The State farm body applied to the EPA at the end of last month to carry out field studies with GM blight resistant potatoes over the next four years at Oak Park in Carlow.
The role of the EPA is to evaluate the risks posed by the trials. It has until the end of May to decide if it will grant permission with or without conditions, or if it will refuse to give the go-ahead.
Yesterday afternoon was the last opportunity for members of the public to make representations to the EPA about the proposed trials.
