Michael Sheahan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said he was originally "pessimistic that anyone would want to get involved".
A senior vet for the Department of Agriculture said there have been a number of enquiries from people interested in setting up a horse slaughterhouse.
Michael Sheahan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said he was originally "pessimistic that anyone would want to get involved" in slaughtering horses following the controversy surrounding the abattoir run by Shannonside Foods in Straffan.
However, he said there have been a number of "credible enquiries", some from people with slaughter facilities on their premises and some who may need modifications.
He said since the horse meat scandal in 2013, the Department of Agriculture has been trying to "tighten the screws on horse traceability" but there is still a long way to go.
He said there will be no lack of urgency on the Department of Agriculture's part if someone is ready to open a plant to slaughter horses.
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