Minister Heydon said he's keen to support poultry producers in Cavan and Monaghan.

A report commissioned by Monaghan County Council found that by-product water pollution and ammonia emissions were significant issues.

There's concerns this may mark the beginning of the end of broiler & egg producers.

Councillor PJ O'Hanlon passed a motion that an official from a relevant Government department should sit on the board.

Councillors were unanimous in their criticism of the report, but agreed to form the group.

He also dismissed concerns around the release of ammonia from large-scale poultry farms.

There is no legislative requirement that affected flocks be culled.

The precautionary measures in Cavan and Monaghan have been in place since late last year.