The Carroll Cuisine meat processing plant in Tullamore, Co. Offaly is to suspend operations to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the community.
It says the break will be taken over the days ahead while the results of covid-19 tests carried out on staff yesterday are being evaluated.
Tests completed last week show that 9 of the sites 330 employees tested positive for coronavirus.
These employees went into self-isolation following after the tests proved positive.
Carroll Cuisine insists employees will continue to be paid as normal while operations are suspended.
In today's statement, the company says “We note that a number of Government and health service sources have said factories should close wherever there are any cases of Covid. However, it’s essential that while closures may be envisaged, the industry will need to continue in operation to supply food and facilities will need to reopen once any particular situation is contained and brought under control. Clear guidance is required on the measures, procedures and roadmap envisaged by the Government in this regard.
