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A key member of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Community Forum has resigned over a lack of action to resolve what she has described as a “sickening” stink in Warrenpoint.
Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) generated a community forum (2024) after facing heavy local criticism over a perceived bad odour from its port since 2023.
It has been claimed that tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from Newry waste management company Re-Gen awaiting shipment for incineration has caused a “disgusting stench”, with further claims the forum has lost “credibility” to clear the town’s air.
Former WHA Community Forum member, Fionnuala McKinley who lives just yards from the port said: “It is with frustration that I believe the time has come for me to resign from the forum.
“When I joined it was with a sense of hope, that we could all work together to address issues causing concern for residents.
“However, I believe we have achieved nothing. For many residents the most pressing issues are the disgusting stench, and the noise that can continue until, 2am or 3am in the morning caused by boats being loaded.
“This is April and since March the stink has been so bad I needed to wear face covering at times, to be able to breathe easily in my garden.
“The weather hasn’t even become warm yet. What will it be like when the weather warms up?”
In September 2025, WHA stated that it had extensive engagement with Re-Gen with the Newry company agreeing to remove all RDF from the port with a proposal to no longer store the waste there, but instead transported directly to ships, for export.
Only Solid Recovered Fuel was to be stored in future on the site which the WHA was told should be non-odorous.
As a result of extensive talks and an independent environmental audit report the WHA set up the community forum to provide a key communication basis on potential bad smells from the port located in the centre of the town.
The forum membership is made up from people living or working within the Warrenpoint area including people with specific expertise.
Ms McKinley added: “I believe that before the forum attempt any other projects they need to resolve the smell and the noise.
“I no longer believe the forum has any credibility and if I remain on it, I too will have no credibility.
“In recent weeks we have seen lots of celebration about the economic impact of the WHA and about the wonderful relationship between WHA and Re-Gen.
“I find it sickening when the town is stinking. It’s time for an independent environmental impact study, addressing the impact on aquatic life, a sociological study on the impact on residents of living with stink and noise.
“I had such hope when I joined the forum, it is with-a sense of sadness I believe I must now resign.”
In August 2025, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP was lobbied by the community group RARE (Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment) and offered his “great sympathy with those impacted by the bad smell”.
But he added that it was a devolved matter for Stormont to sort out.
Following the forum resignation, a spokesperson for Re-Gen said: “It is important to say that Re-Gen has had an operation at Warrenpoint Harbour for over 13 years, and we remain compliant with all aspects of our waste management licence at the harbour. We pro-actively engage with all regulatory bodies.”
The WHA was contacted by the LDRS for comment.
On its website at the time of the forum launch, chairperson of WHA Dr Gerard O’Hare said: “Following the publication of the independent environmental audit report into odour and fly issues with some port operations we are determined to implement the findings of the report and work more closely with the local community across a range of areas.
“To this end, we believe that the new Community Forum offers local people a great opportunity to engage with us on how we can continue to support the community.”
