RESIDENTS who have been campaigning against a foul odour coming from a nearby mushroom plant have accused the company running the facility of ‘sidestepping’ what they say is a major health hazard.
Last weekend, hundreds of people took part in a protest organised by Cabragh Concerned Residents Association outside the premises of Northway Mushrooms on the Aughnagar Road.
The Killeeshil community say that the smell from the factory has disrupted local life, sporting and other activities.
But Northway Mushrooms responded by highlighting that the factory is part of a £25 million investment which has created jobs and is operated to the highest standards.
However, Maria Nugent, CCRA spokesperson, claimed that the firm had introduced a new environmental and health concern to the area.
She said, “The odour is so overwhelming that children have been forced to vacate school playgrounds and community activities, including sports events at Killeeshil St Mary’s GAA club and activities at the four local churches have been disrupted.”
She continued, “CCRA challenges Northway Mushrooms’ assertion that their plant operates to the highest standards. If that were true, regulatory inspections would not repeatedly fail to address the ongoing odour issues plaguing our community.
“The lack of official findings during inspections does not negate the lived experiences of residents who continue to suffer from the noxious odours.
“It is disheartening for Northway Mushrooms to trivialise the concerns raised by Cabragh residents while claiming to take them seriously. The community has been vocal about the detrimental impact of the odours for years, yet Northway Mushrooms’ response has been inadequate and dismissive.”
In a statement released to the Tyrone Herald, Northway Mushrooms said, from an environmental perspective, its facility managed a ‘significant proportion’ of the North’s poultry litter, which is used in mushroom compost.
A spokesperson said, “This means it not only diverts litter from conventional agricultural land spread, and therefore reduces nitrate surpluses, but it also further supports the agri-food industry which sustains thousands of jobs in the region.
“At Northway Mushrooms we are committed to engaging with all stakeholders to make sure any concerns are addressed.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)