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This paper critically examines oral hearings conducted by the Irish state Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on proposed industrial developments in Clare and Limerick. Data comes from participant observation at two hearings, and documentary analysis of submissions. The hypothesis that the oral hearing can be formulated as an example of 'reflexive modernization' (as in Beck) is tested against the standard of ideal speech proferred by Habermas. The evidence suggests that the institution of the EPA Public Hearing is best understood as an instance of systematically distorted communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]