Workers union SIPTU and Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) have issued a joint statement requesting that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspect Liffey Meats factory in Ballyjamesduff immediately.

“Over recent days, we have been receiving calls from SIPTU members, many of whom are migrant workers, employed at Liffey Meats in Ballyjamesduff who are concerned about their health and safety in the plant,” the statement said.

“We have asked the employer to ensure that our members are working in a safe environment.”

Over the weekend, social media reports emerged alleging that some workers at the meat plant were continuing to work while ill.

Liffey Meats

Liffey Meats has dismissed social media reports “that 160 employees of the plant are symptomatic of coronavirus” as false.

In a statement, the company said that the claims were “grossly inaccurate” and that every care was taken to safeguard their employees during the pandemic.

They said: "We are in ongoing contact with the HSE, who have confirmed that they are very satisfied with all the measures we have in place".

SIPTU and MRCI

However, SIPTU and MRCI said they had requested that precautions against COVID-19 were taken at the plant including sanitising facilities and adequate PPE.

“As we have received no response to our request, we have made contact with the HSA and have asked it to carry out a detailed inspection of the plant to ensure that Liffey Meats is in compliance with the procedures required to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” they said.