Residents of the Warrenpoint are voicing their anger and frustration over foul odours they say have been plaguing their community for years, and many are blaming a local waste management facility near the harbour.
The company at the centre of the complaints, Re-Gen Waste, has been operating in Warrenpoint for more than 12 years and processes black bin rubbish collected from multiple councils across Northern Ireland. Much of the waste, which cannot be recycled, is turned into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), packed into bales, and stored at the firm’s site before being shipped to energy customers overseas, particularly in Scandinavia, where it is burned to generate electricity.
But locals say the smell generated by the operation is affecting their daily lives, and their ability to enjoy their homes and the town’s natural beauty.
Liz Weir, a resident of Warrenpoint, said the smell has at times become unbearable.
“You get sometimes a big waft of air, it would make you gag,” she told BBC News NI.
“I’ve even been driven out of my home by it. It comes in so suddenly, and it’s so strong.”
The pungent odour is believed to be linked to the storage and handling of RDF at the Re-Gen site, particularly in warmer weather when the decomposing material emits stronger fumes.
Despite the complaints, Re-Gen maintains that its operations are safe and within legal parameters.
A spokesperson for the company stated that the facility is “regularly inspected by independent and statutory bodies” to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Still, residents say more needs to be done. Many are calling for increased transparency, stronger oversight, and better mitigation efforts, including improved containment of waste and odour control technology.
“What’s the point of living in a beautiful seaside town if you can’t even open your windows or sit outside?” said another resident, who asked not to be named.
Local councillors have acknowledged the issue and say they are in discussions with environmental agencies and Re-Gen to seek a long-term solution.