gov.ie: EU-Approved ABP Plants and Animal By-Product Registers Updated

Businesses handling animal by-products in Ireland can use the latest gov.ie publication to identify approved plants, registered operators, collection centres and laboratories. The resource supports compliance with European rules governing the safe handling, processing, storage and use of animal by-products.

Published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the register was first issued on 7 October 2020 and was last updated on 28 September 2026. It is intended for operators, regulators and other users who need reliable information on establishments approved or registered under Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.

gov.ie guide to EU-approved ABP plants

Plants that handle or process animal by-products must receive approval from the competent authority. The published listings cover a wide range of facilities, reflecting the different routes through which animal by-products may be stored, treated, recycled or disposed of.

Facilities included in the register

• Intermediate plants, hide stores, wool stores and knackeries
• Plants supplying pet food and facilities storing processed animal protein
• Rendering, biodiesel and oleochemical plants
• Low-capacity incinerators, tallow burners and combustion plants
• Biogas, anaerobic digestion and composting plants
• Pet food and technical plants
• Facilities handling products for pharmaceutical, medical and other non-feed uses

The listings also identify plants storing rendered fat, fish oils, fertilisers and other derived products where the relevant approval requirements apply.

Registered users and collection centres

The Department also publishes information for registered users of animal by-products and derived products under Article 23. Categories include diagnostic, educational and research use, zoo and circus animals, special feeding purposes and other authorised applications.

Separate registers cover collection centres and other registered operators, including transporters, traders, handlers of intermediate products and end users of organic fertilisers and soil improvers. Some categories currently show no registrations, including necrophagous birds, other wild animals and certain unspecified uses.

Maps and laboratory information

An interactive location map shows knackeries, wool stores, rendering facilities, composting plants and biogas plants. The page also provides the register of Department-approved laboratories that test microbiological parameters and Trichinella samples for DAFM-regulated industries. The listed laboratory register is Revision 16, issued on 5 December 2025, and excludes in-house laboratories testing for Trichinella.

Why the register matters

Using the official gov.ie register helps operators verify whether a facility or service provider is appropriately approved or registered before arranging collection, transport, processing or testing. It also supports traceability, biosecurity and public confidence across agriculture, food production, waste management and renewable energy.

Key points for operators

1. Check the relevant approval category before using a plant.
2. Confirm that transporters and traders appear in the appropriate registered-operator information.
3. Use approved laboratories where microbiological or Trichinella testing is required.
4. Review the official page regularly because registers and documents may be revised.

Conclusion

The gov.ie publication provides a central reference for EU-approved ABP plants, registered users, collection centres, approved laboratories and related facilities in Ireland. Operators should rely on the latest Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine listings when checking compliance and selecting authorised services.

Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie