All of the staff of a local meat processing plant have been tested for Coronavirus following fears of an outbreak.
Rosderra Meats in Tipperary confirmed they had scaled back their operation as their affected staff members are self-isolating.
The Roscrea factory would employ Laois workers and is used by Laois farmers and hauliers.
Speaking last night in the Dail, Sinn Fein’s Brian Stanley claimed that the number who had tested positive was ‘as high as 120’.
He said: “There are approximately 350 workers on the factory floor there.
“Up to 140 of them were out sick throughout last week and 120 tested positive for the virus.”
In a statement today, the company confirmed a number of staff had tested positive but they did not say how many.
Separately, the Dawn Meats boning hall in Kilbeggan is closed.
The company took the decision after four staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
Dawn Meats also said that the cases detected reflect less than 2% of the staff at the plant and the decision has been taken “out of an abundance of caution”.
The company said in a statement: “We have implemented a detailed series of measures to manage risks associated with Covid-19, and to maintain social distancing in our facilities in line with procedures recommended by the HSE and other Government agencies.”
Dawn Meats also said that it will not affect its ability to supply customers or receive cattle at its other facilities around the country.
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