Schwarz Pharma reopens after six weeks

Six weeks after shutting down most of its production processes in response to local concerns over air emissions, a Shannon-based pharmaceutical firm yesterday recommenced production.

Last month, Schwarz Pharma decided on a voluntary basis to suspend certain production processes which could give rise to emissions exceeding the levels in its Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The move by the company last month followed a District Court hearing in Ennis which was told that air emissions from Schwarz Pharma containing suspected cancer-causing substances up to 36 times the legal limit were detected during an EPA inspection last August.

A judge deemed the case too serious to be heard in the District Court. The court was told that the company was pleading guilty to nine separate breaches of its Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license in the prosecution being brought by the EPA.

Confirming the phased reopening of production processes leading to air emissions yesterday, a company spokeswoman stated: "In the intervening six-week period, the company has, together with two reputable international engineering companies, developed an enhanced emission control solution."

During the six-week period, the company's 170 employees "have been engaged in training and other matters".

She said the new emission control solution "will ensure that no emissions will exceed the levels permitted by the IPC licence, and includes a low level fail-safe alert to ensure any required corrective action is taken in good time to avoid exceedances".

She said the recommencing of the production processes would take place on a phased basis.

The spokeswoman said: "Up to the end of 2005, the company will have spent at least €8 million, an expenditure always planned but now substantially accelerated, in environmental, health and safety systems upgrades."

Arising from the court case, locals staged a public meeting which was addressed by company managing director Bernie Harten.

The company has already pointed out that "many of the non-compliance issues identified by the EPA in the August 2004 audit have already been fully remedied with the approval of the EPA, while the remainder are currently at an advanced stage.

"Schwarz Pharma is absolutely committed to ensuring that all necessary resources and expertise are provided to ensure that full compliance is achieved."