An order preventing a Co Limerick farmer continuing to use a premises at Gortnadromin, Pallasgreen, as an abattoir was granted by the High Court yesterday.
The order against Mr Richard Laffan was obtained by Mr John McCarthy, a veterinary inspector employed by Limerick County Council.
Mr Seamus Noonan, for Mr McCarthy, said Mr Laffan had been prosecuted by Limerick County Council last Sept
ember for running an unlicensed abattoir at his farm. The case was adjourned until next year to allow him to apply for a licence.
The Food Safety Authority became aware of the matter and visited the premises on a number of occasions. A closure order was issued. The authority believed the premises posed a grave and serious danger to public health.
Mr Laffan told the court he and his wife had six children. They bought the farm in 1977 to use as a small abattoir. He only slaughtered for farmers and did not sell anything to the public. He had spent £10,000 on building a slaughter house in 1987 and had applied for several licences since. He had applied again yesterday.
Mr Justice O'Sullivan said he was compelled to make the order. He gave leave to Mr Laffan to reapply to the court to lift the order if he got a licence or was in a position to get one.
However, he was impressed by Mr Laffan's submissions and it was well known that standards constantly moved upwards, the judge said.