Warrenpoint Harbour Authority announce removal of odour-causing RDF from port

The end could be in sight for Warrenpoint’s smell problem after Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) confirmed that all Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) had been removed from the town’s port.

For months residents have campaigned bitterly to have the issue resolved, and on Monday morning WHA issued a statement announcing that only Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) is being stored on the site.

Concerns were raised over the smell coming from Warrenpoint Harbour.

placeholder image — Concerns were raised over the smell coming from Warrenpoint Harbour.

A spokesperson for WHA said the body “shares the frustration of the local community relating to the intermittent Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) odours at the Port”.

It added: “We have had extensive engagement with ReGen over many months on this issue. ReGen have now removed all RDF from the Port and we have proposed that, in the future, it is not stored at the Port but is instead transported directly to ships, for export.

“Only Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) is now being stored on site which we have been informed should be non-odorous.

“While the removal of RDF is a welcome development, further investigation is required to resolve the odour issue fully. 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.”

ReGen have been contacted for comment.