Three ice plants closed over health and safety concerns

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has said health and safety issues at three plants producing ice for fishing trawlers led to a decision to close them down temporarily.

It said concerns “relating to best practice” included the problem of some staff working on their own but stressed there was no “absolutely no risk” to public safety.

A decision to stop production at the plants in Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford; Dunmore East, Co Waterford and Howth, Co Dublin was taken on July 31st. Ice remains available to trawlers, it said.

“The safety of employees and contractors at the Ice Plants is a priority for BIM. Following the health and safety risks highlighted in the audit, the Board took decisive action in temporarily closing the plants in order to assess these risks further and to resolve the issues as soon as possible,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

“One issue identified as a risk in the audit relates to personnel shortages with some staff working on their own in the plants.

“BIM fully understands the importance of the Ice Plants to the fishing industry and is doing everything in its power to resolve the issues and reopen the plants as soon as possible.”