The Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) has confirmed that Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) has now been completely removed from the port – with hopes now that the foul odours, that have plagued the town for a number of years, will dissipate.
In a statement issued today (Monday), WHA said it “shared the frustration of the local community” and had held “extensive engagement” with Newry-based recycling company ReGen.
While the removal of RDF is being described as a welcome development, WHA has proposed that in future RDF should not be stored at the port at all, but transported directly to ships for export.
Only Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) – which WHA was told should be non-odorous – is now being stored on site.
“While the removal of RDF is a welcome development, further investigation is required to resolve the odour issue fully,” a spokesperson said.
“We expect ReGen to continue to collaborate constructively with us to achieve this.
“While the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are responsible for reviewing and approving ReGen’s licence at the Port, WHA are taking every step possible to ensure our concerns are addressed. We have also requested urgent meetings with the NIEA and with Minister Andrew Muir to discuss those concerns.”
The move has also been hailed as a “huge victory” by South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis, who credited community pressure for forcing action.
“The removal of RDF is a direct result of the political and community pressure, including Sinn Féin’s decision to resign from the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority board in July this year,” she said.
“Public health and well-being must always come first… This is a testament to the power of political representatives working together with the community to demand decisive action.”
She said Sinn Féin would continue to monitor the situation closely, stressing that “only odourless SRF” should now be stored at the port.
The update follows months of controversy and heated council debate, with residents complaining that the smell – first reported in 2023 – had become unbearable.
In July, Sinn Féin and SDLP councillors resigned from the WHA board in protest, accusing both the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) of shirking responsibility.
Independent councillor Mark Gibbons previously branded the situation “mortifying” for businesses, residents and tourists, warning: “This smell is just not going to go away.”
The latest development, it is hoped, will provide a long-lasting solution for the Warrenpoint community.
