A meat processing plant in the midlands has closed its doors after four cases of Covid-19 were detected.
Dawn Meats said they were taking the decision to shut the boning hall in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath after the outbreak.
The company said less than two percent of staff were affected but they were closing "out of an abundance of precaution".
Dawn Meats said in a statement: "We have implemented a detailed series of measures to manage risks associated with Covid-19, and to maintain social distancing in our facilities in line with procedures recommended by the HSE and other Government agencies."
They added that supply of meat and operations at other facilities would not be affected by this closure, RTE reports.
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The announcement comes after questions were raised about the safety of meat plants in the Dail last night.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said he had been made aware of six clusters of Covid-19 infection in meat plants across the country.
He confirmed one of the these clusters affected a boning facility.
Meat Industry Ireland who represent meat manufacturers say that meat processing plants have implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety of staff.
Almost 15,000 people work in 45 meat processing plants across the country.
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