A persistent foul smell emanating from Warrenpoint Port has resulted in Sinn Féin announcing its immediate resignation from the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) in protest at inaction over ongoing environmental and public health concerns.
The issue centres around the storage and handling of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) by waste management company Re-Gen at the port, which residents say has produced an unbearable stench affecting their daily lives and well-being.
Sinn Féin South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis confirmed the party’s decision, stating it followed “years” of attempts to raise the matter through official channels.
“After considering this course of action for some time, Sinn Féin has decided to resign from the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority with immediate effect,” said Ms Ennis.
“For years, we have worked in good faith to represent our community on the board, especially regarding the persistent and unacceptable odour.
“Despite repeatedly raising these serious concerns, clearly documented in multiple board meeting minutes, they have been ignored. We now feel we have no other option but to resign.”
Ms Ennis accused both the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority and environmental regulators of failing to act on what she described as a “serious public health issue”.
“The Environment Minister, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have consistently failed to act and resolve this issue,” she said.
“Sinn Féin will continue to demand immediate action to eliminate this foul odour and protect our community’s health. We will not consider re-engagement until there is a complete and permanent end to all RDF activities at Warrenpoint Port. That requires a credible plan and decisive leadership.”
The decision adds further pressure on other political representatives to clarify their positions.
Independent Newry, Mourne and Down councillor Mark Gibbons welcomed recent Stormont interventions by both Sinn Féin’s Sinéad Ennis and SDLP MLA Colin McGrath, but challenged their respective parties to go further – something Sinn Féin have now done.
“I want to thank Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis and SDLP MLA Colin McGrath for their passionate pleas this week at Stormont regarding the worsening crisis at Warrenpoint Harbour,” he said.
“But I’ve also asked both MLAs whose parties continue to hold seats on the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Board a simple question: Will your parties now step down from the WHA Board as a gesture of solidarity and respect to the people of Warrenpoint?”
Cllr Gibbons raised concerns about political representatives continuing to sit on the board while publicly criticising its operations.
“I believe that Stormont speeches mean little if your party still sits on the board of the very body you’re condemning and receives £8,000 per year for doing so. That contradiction has never sat right with me. And I don’t believe it sits right with the community either.”
While praising the work of both parties locally, he insisted that the moment demanded meaningful action.
“If the Harbour Authority has lost public confidence, and I believe it has, then those who represent political parties on its board need to show they’re on the side of the people, not the system.”
Public pressure continues to mount as residents demand an end to the odour and a long-term solution for the environmental impact of RDF handling at the port.
ork locally. But on this issue, the people need more than words. They need actions that match the outrage.
If the Harbour Authority has lost public confidence, and I believe it has, then those who represent political parties on its board need to show they’re on the side of the people, not the system.
