Roscommon councillor Liam Callaghan (Fine Gael) has expressed concern that a dispute between Local Authorities and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland over funding to cover the veterinary costs of abattoir inspections could see many local butchers and abattoirs closing from the 1st of December.
Cllr. Callaghan explained that no meat can be sold from local abattoirs without veterinary inspection. Safety controls in these food businesses were carried out by the local authority on behalf of the Food Safety Authority.
A funding issue has arisen between both parties and the local authority will cease its contracts on the 30th of November, Cllr. Callaghan said.
Cllr. Callaghan is assured that the FSAI is working to put a new system in place but says many local abattoirs and craft butchers are concerned that if the issues are not resolved they may have no option but to close.
Cllr. Callaghan concluded by saying that funding needs to be found. He said he will be raising the matter with Roscommon Co. Council.
“We can’t have a disruption to local meat supplies such as beef, turkey and lamb in the run into Christmas, not to mention the effects it may have on many local butchers who are so highly regarded in our community”.
