Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Abattoirs Closures.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

364 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of abattoirs that have closed in the last five years; the plans, if any, there are to close further abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6198/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The licensing system under the Abattoirs Act, 1988 commenced on 1 September 1989 and abattoir operators were given five years to upgrade their premises under a permit system which has now expired.

The following is the current position in relation to closure of abattoirs: A total of 240 licence applications have been refused due to lack of progress on upgrading of premises, site limitations etc. Fifteen of these abattoirs subsequently upgraded to licensing standard; Eighty-six licence applications were withdrawn or the abattoirs ceased trading; thirty-five letters notifying the Minister's intention to refuse licences have been issued. Some of these notices are under appeal and 340 licences have been issued in respect of abattoirs that have met the requirements of the regulations.