Blaze forces pig processing move

Pig processing at Glanbia meat factory which was severely damaged by a weekend blaze will be transferred to a different factory, it emerged today.

Management at the plant met with staff this morning to outline plans, which may include moving operations from Edenderry, Co Offaly, to the Glanbia facility in Roscrea.

The fire caused extensive damage to the factory, forcing management to issue a protective notice to its 280 workers, many of whom are non-Irish nationals renting homes in the area.

The move could mean some staff would be bussed to work in Tipperary.

The company said it will officially announce its contingency plan tomorrow.

However, The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) revealed it was told by Glanbia that it will increase slaughtering at its Roscrea plant by 400 extra pigs on weekdays, and to 7,200 at weekends.

“It is very important that Glanbia prevent a back-up of pigs, which would be very serious for producers, who are already operating under very tight margins,” said Michael Maguire, IFA National Pigs and Pigmeat Committee Chairman.

“The meat plant in Edenderry has to be re-built and back in production as soon as possible as pig producers must be guaranteed slaughter facilities.”

SIPTU’s Sean Nolan said workers were shocked and upset by what is the second fire at the plant in the last five years.

He said officials from the trade union, which represents workers at the plant, would be meeting with management to seek guarantees of security for workers and those who face being laid off.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael called on the Department of Social Affairs and the Midland Area Health Services Executive (HSE) to set up temporary offices in Edenderry to deal with the workers and families effected by the blaze.

“Many of those working in the slaughterhouse are non-Irish nationals with little English and no knowledge of the State support system,” said Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan.

“Other catering and cleaning staff have been employed at the plant for many years and their families rely solely on the income from Glanbia.

“The Midland Area HSE in conjunction with the Department of Social Affairs should immediately set up a local office based in Edenderry to advise on all issues and appropriate supplementary welfare should be made available.

“Glanbia should also guarantee a return to work at the earliest opportunity and the insurance assessors make arrangements to visit the plant and assess the loss and set about the rebuild.”