A Number Of People Have Expressed Interest In Setting Up A Horse Slaughterhouse, Despite Controversy In Straffan

Monday, 1 July 2024 11:16

By Martin Osborne

People protesting outside the abattoir in Straffan

Michael Sheahan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said he was originally "pessimistic that anyone would want to get involved".

A senior vet for the Department of Agriculture said there have been a number of enquiries from people interested in setting up a horse slaughterhouse.

Michael Sheahan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, said he was originally "pessimistic that anyone would want to get involved" in slaughtering horses following the controversy surrounding the abattoir run by Shannonside Foods in Straffan.

However, he said there have been a number of "credible enquiries", some from people with slaughter facilities on their premises and some who may need modifications.

He said since the horse meat scandal in 2013, the Department of Agriculture has been trying to "tighten the screws on horse traceability" but there is still a long way to go.

He said there will be no lack of urgency on the Department of Agriculture's part if someone is ready to open a plant to slaughter horses.

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news