DEFA considering meat plant proposals

The Government hopes to appoint a new operator to the Island's meat plant after receiver a number of formal bids from private operators.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed it's considering a number of proposals, which will be carefully reviewed before tenderers are invited for interview.

The facility is currently run by a cooperative of farmers and receives an annual Government subvention of over £1.3m.

DEFA hopes a private operator will make the plant more efficient and market focused, as well as saving public money.

The Department is continuing to private financial assistance to the plant while the tender process is completed.