22 new Covid cases detected at Cahir plant

TESTING at a meatprocessing plant in Tipperary has revealed 22 new cases of Covid-19 following a screening of its 460 employees.

In a statement yesterday, ABP Food Group in Cahir confirmed the new cases, which bring to 38 the total number of infections detected at the facility.

They said: ‘Testing of close contacts of positive cases at the plant by the HSE has identified an additional 16 cases.

‘In line with Covid-19 protocols, all close contacts of those impacted are currently selfisolating,’ said ABP.

The company said as a precaution the Cahir site has been operating at a limited capacity since the first case was detected on August 14 and that tests were carried out in consultation with and approval by the HSE. Earlier in the week, ABP confirmed another two cases were detected at its plant in Clones, Co. Monaghan.

In addition, four cases were detected at the Rosderra Irish Meats plant in Clara, Co. Offaly, after its 68 employees were tested.

Speaking yesterday, Labour’s spokesman on agriculture Seán Sherlock said that following the rise in cases in meat processing plants in recent days, the appointment of a new Agriculture Minister was essential.

‘The country no longer has a standalone Minister for Agriculture and the issues surrounding the work practices in meat processing plants are of concern to the entire nation, not to mention the very real risk of a crash-out Brexit still looming. The Taoiseach has multiple issues to address, and a new minister is needed,’ said Mr Sherlock.

On Tuesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Irish Farmers’ Association that he will appoint his third Agriculture Minister when the Dáil reconvenes next week following the resignation of Dara Calleary over his role in the Golfgate controversy.