Re-Gen see Warrenpoint Harbour as key facility

Re-Gen have increased the shipment frequency of the company's Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from Warrenpoint Port in a move that aims to keep the level of RDF bale stock lower at the site. In a statement to Newry.ie following observations from campaign group Rotten to the Point noting the clearance of bales from the harbour facility, a Re-Gen spokesperson said “In line with our plans announced last year, we increased the frequency of our shipments leaving Warrenpoint in order to maintain a lower stock level at our site. We have achieved that aim and reduced the level of stock in September significantly compared to the same time last year. With further ships booked in the coming weeks, we expect to maintain lower stock levels at our Warrenpoint site in the coming months."

Warrenpoint residents have complained of a smell from the facility over the past year or so and an independent report was commissioned in February 2024 which contained a number of bale management recommendations.

Re-Gen see Warrenpoint Harbour as a key facility for their business. However they have apologised for any inconvenience caused  and said they will work hard to continue to improve in 2025.

“Warrenpoint Harbour remains a key facility for our business so we will continue to use it to export bales of fuel in the future. Export of RDF to highly efficient power plants in Scandinavia is a key lever in helping Northern Ireland decarbonise the waste system here and meet fast-approaching carbon emission targets.” the spokesperson added.

“However, we apologise for any inconvenience caused in recent weeks. We will work hard to ensure any impact is minimised longer term by continuing to improve next year. In addition, Re-Gen’s category-leading research and development team continue to adopt the latest technologies to treat waste further.”

The spokesperson added that recent NIEA inspections saw their site compliant in odour management. “Four recent inspections by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have confirmed that our site is compliant in the management of odours, while all recommendations made by the Independent Environmental Report carried out earlier this year, commissioned by Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, have been fully implemented.”

Re-Gen have recently met with local political parties to discuss residents’ concerns and have taken on board their points and the spokesperson added that they will continue to look at further options to reduce any impact from their operation.

In a reply to a Newry.ie query to Warrenpoint Harbour Authority a WHA spokesperson added "ReGen’s licence with the NIEA remains in place. Warrenpoint Port continues to engage with ReGen to ensure there is no odour from their facility on our site, with an independent monitoring team reviewing their operations. We are committed to working closely with the local community and as part of our open door policy our Community Forum is enabling residents and businesses to discuss issues directly with us."