Major Covid cluster confirmed at meat plant in county Kilkenny

The Dawn Meats factory in Granagh on the Waterford/Kilkenny border has emerged as the location of a major outbreak of Covid-19.

A large spike in numbers was registered in county Waterford last night. It is understood the majority of these stem from the cluster confirmed at the major employer.

In a statement released this morning, the company did not confirm the number of cases within the factory, however, management did say they are “working closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other government agencies in maintaining its implementation of comprehensive measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Dawn Meats supports the recent mass testing being carried out across all meat processing plants in the country.

“Where positive tests are identified we will ensure all staff, close contacts, and the HSE and relevant authorities are fully informed,” the statement concluded.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has called for full transparency on the outbreak the meat factory plant. Deputy Cullinane said he understands 28 cases have been reported.

“The outbreak at Dawn Meats is obviously a concern,” Deputy Cullinane said.  “I welcome clarification from the company but it was a long time coming.

“It is hugely important that we have a flow of information from the company to their staff but also to public representatives and the local media.

“There are huge public interest issues here. We need reassurance that all public health responses that should be in place are in place. This includes infection control teams from the HSE on site and rigorous testing, tracing and isolating,” Deputy Cullinane added.