Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) can confirm that full ice production will resume at its plants in Kilmore Quay, Howth and Dunmore East this afternoon (7th August). There was no interruption to supply of ice to fishermen at any of the three plants nor was there a risk to public safety at any stage in the last week.
The ice production in all three plants was temporarily suspended on Friday, 31st July following an internal Health and Safety audit which detailed a number of risks to the safety of employees at the plants.
Whilst ice production was partially suspended in order to fully assess the risks, ice stocks were always available and fishermen were able to source ice for their trawlers throughout this period.
Following an extensive review by Health and Safety experts of all three plants yesterday (Thursday, August 6th), the most immediate risks outlined in the audit were addressed enabling ice production to resume. These primarily pertain to operational issues and the implementation of revised work practices.
“In each of the three ports, fishermen availed of the service and at no stage were reserve stocks fully depleted. There was no interruption whatsoever to the service provided to the industry by BIM. We are unequivocal in our commitment to the safety of employees as well as contractors and acted decisively to address the issues identified in the audit,” said Interim CEO of BIM, Michael Keatinge.