ICSA Beef chair Edmund Graham has called on the new Food Regulator to pay special attention to the takeover of Kildare Chilling by Dawn Meats which he said has devastating implications for competition for both beef and lamb. "Farmers have lost all faith in the CCPC which has nodded through this takeover. The reality is that a factory that many farmers depended on to sell cattle and lambs at a fair price is now under the control of one of the big two. This will not be a good outcome for farmers."

"Kildare Chilling was a good outlet for all sorts of livestock particularly at times when suppliers were on the back foot with livestock that did not fit a narrow spec. Our concern is that the consequence is that farmers will be left with even less choice."

"The new regulator needs to monitor the impact this deal has. ICSA will also want to see the EU Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) directive implemented properly in this country which aims to bring transparency to the financial statements of big businesses with turnover in excess of €750 million. For too long, large corporations including the big players in the meat processing sector have hidden behind unlimited liability status. This is not good enough for companies that essentially control the meat on the shelves."