One in four meat plant inspections this summer were in local region

A quarter of all HSA meat plant inspections this summer were carried out in the Shannonside Northern Sound region.

Freedom of Information figures released to the Irish Farmers Journal showed the Health and Safety Authority carried out 36 inspections across the country between June 1^st and July 11^th.

Cork had the highest number of inspections at 5, with Tipperary next on 4.

Cavan and Roscommon both had three, while Monaghan had two and just one in Longford.

An additional two general inspections were also carried out in Cavan during that period.

It’s understood the focus in Cavan came after unfounded reports of an outbreak at Liffey Meats in April.

The HSA came under fire when the Oireachtas Covid committee heard only a small number of inspections were unannounced.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the committee yesterday that it has improved, and he wants it to continue.