Food processing firms lead EPA’s ‘name and shame’ list

Five industrial sites are cited on the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest so-called “name and shame” list for failing to meet necessary environmental standards.

Arrow Group based in Co Kildare is on the list due to persistent noise and odour complaints. Euroflex Teoranta in Co Donegal is cited for emissions released to air and waste management failures.

Western Brand Group in Co Mayo features because of its poor wastewater management. East Cork Landfill site in Co Cork is listed because of poor management of gas and leachate. Arran Chemical Company in Co Roscommon is listed because of persistent release of emissions to the air and groundwater.

The five companies are on the “national priority sites” listing for the period October 2018 to March 2019. As a consequence they face “further enforcement action from the EPA to secure compliance”.

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The Arrow group based at Maudlins Industrial Estate in Naas is a food processing company which includes Dawn Farms, International Meat Ingredients, QK Meats, and Simply Soups. It has appeared regularly on the list as has Western Brand Group, poultry processors in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.

The EPA stressed the five sites represent less than 1 per cent of industrial sites licensed by them but account for 21 per cent of complaints received. Three are new to the list, while six sites have come off the previous list published in January following improvements in compliance.

In July 2017, the agency introduced the list of the most non-compliant sites. Companies giving rise to persistent odour, noise or dust emissions problems are highlighted, with updates every quarter.