THE ICE PLANT in Kilmore Quay is back in action following a week-long cessation of production of ice due to health and safety measures.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) released a statement last week, following criticism from fisherman, stating that the closure of the plants at Kilmore Quay, Howth and Dunmore East were because of employee health concerns.

Fishermen in all three ports were concerned that with the plant closed, ice would soon be short and they would not be able to go to see if this happened.

The Irish South and West Fist Producers’ Organisation Ltd. (IS&WFPO) expressed concern on behalf of its members, saying they would be unable to earn a living if they could not access ice.

BIM insisted that there was enough ice available to fishermen in all ports and it is understood that the general output from Kilmore is 11,000 tonnes and 7,000 tonnes were available.

The IS&WFPO was also assured by BIM that if supply in the three Plants is exhausted they would put in place alternative mechanisms to supply ice to these locations.

The statement said: “BIM was proactive in initiating the audit and acted immediately in the interests of its employees and contractors once certain health and safety issues were highlighted.

“The decision to temporarily stop the production of ice on July 31 was taken to ensure compliance with current Health and Safety workplace regulations. The safety of employees and contractors at the Ice Plants is a priority for BIM.”

They added that many of BIM’s ice plants were old buildings dating from the 1970s and as a result, could pose challenges. 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.”

The Kilmore plant reopened on Monday afternoon.