The final report of the investigation into animal and human health problems in the Askeaton area of Co Limerick is due to be published on Thursday.
It is understood that farm practices will be pinpointed as a cause of animal health problems in some cases and that industrial pollution will be regarded as insignificant. It is also believed the Environmental Protection Agency report will conclude that human cancer levels in the Askeaton area are lower than for other areas of the region and the State.
The Cabinet passed the report last Friday week, six years after the investigation began. The conclusions are not expected to be approved by local residents and farming families.
Mr Pat Geoghegan, whose family was included in the investigation, claims that the report has been compromised, as samples submitted by his family in 1997/8 were lost by the Mid-Western Health Board.
The Sheehy family reported losing 90 horses and foals in 10 years, and cattle difficulties experienced by Mr Pat Culhane in Cappagh were also reported.
The EPA-led investigation began in February 1995 after a sustained campaign by the Askeaton-Ballysteen Animal Health Committee and two interim reports resulted.