Chicken producer Western Brand Group in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, has been prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The case was heard at Castlebar District Court, Co Mayo.

Judge Lydon convicted Western Brand Group Ltd on all three charges. She imposed fines totalling €6,000 and agency costs of €8,000 were also awarded.

Western Brand Group Ltd pleaded guilty to the three charges. The company breached the industrial emissions licence from the period 9 May 2017 to 20 May 2018. It also failed to notify the EPA that it did not comply with its licence. It breached its emissions limits again in the period from 17 May 2018 to 22 August 2018.

Western Brand Group Ltd applied for planning permission on 14 March this year to demolish two existing broiler chicken houses with a capacity for 24,000 birds at its site in Greenwood, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. It is seeking permission to replace those houses with one 40,000-bird house, together with all ancillary site work and services, including silos. A decision is due on 8 May 2019.

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