The decision by one of the world’s biggest fast food outlets, McDonald’s, to award a contract valued at some €300m to Dawn Meats, has been described by Mayo Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony as good news for Ballyhaunis and all employed at the Dawn Meats plant in the town.
The new deal will see Dawn Meats process 18,000 tonnes of Irish beef each year, and while the company plans to carry on processing beef at a new facility in Waterford, Deputy O’Mahony believes there is potential for development at the Ballyhaunis plant.
“This is very significant news for the beef sector. McDonald’s is a world-leading brand and for them to commit to such a contract with Dawn Meats is a huge boost for the Irish company.
“Here in Mayo, Dawn Meats already employ between 350 and 400 people at their Ballyhaunis plant and this announcement will create potential for further growth. Paul Ruane, the general manager in Ballyhaunis, has overseen great work there as has Brian Cloonan, their group spokesperson, and I am sure that with their drive and the calibre of the staff employed in Ballyhaunis, the plant there can only go from strength to strength,” he said.
“Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis purchased livestock to the value of €100 million in 2011. It spent another €13 million on direct employee wages and €5 million on transport and haulage. There are many spin offs for the local community including independent contract labour and services required that are needed by the business. This is good news for Ballyhaunis and the surrounding region,” Deputy O’Mahony concluded.
