It is with genuine regret that we acknowledge that this issue represents the most significant breakdown in relations with a core stakeholder group in Bord Bia’s 30-year history.
One month on, Bord Bia remains fully and actively engaged in seeking a resolution, while managing the significant operational disruption caused by the dispute. Protest activity both outside and inside Bord Bia’s offices has continued since January 26th.
More than 140 staff have been displaced from their workplace since February 4th (when IFA protestors occupied our reception).
Bord Bia’s Global Hub is not simply a place of work - it is designed as a creative and collaborative space where Irish companies, food buyers and industry partners come together. With workshop and meeting spaces, a library, research facilities, a digital studio, and cookery demonstration area, it exists to support the wider agri-food and farming sector. The loss of access to this space is not just felt by our staff; it is a loss for the sector we serve.
Impact
Multiple meetings with major international customers of Irish food and drink have had to be postponed, relocated or even cancelled, and hundreds of clients and stakeholders have been impacted.
At the same time, and despite these very real challenges, we are continuing to work hard to deliver for our stakeholders.
Important client and trade meetings have continued off-site, and we remain actively engaged with customers around the world. An agri-food Trade Mission to Dubai has been successfully completed, while international food trade shows in Germany, France and China have proceeded as planned. We are also preparing for one of the busiest periods in the year, when St Patrick’s Day activities worldwide help open doors and create vital opportunities for Irish food exporters.
We are grateful for the dedication and cooperation shown by our colleagues, clients, farmers, and customers during this time.
Our priority remains finding a resolution as quickly as possible, while continuing to support our staff and maintaining operations to the highest standard we can under these circumstances.
Update on Protesters
Five IFA protesters continue to illegally occupy the Bord Bia reception area.
Claims that the protestors are “locked into” Bord Bia are incorrect. The five protestors are free to leave the building at any time, and we encourage them to do so.
Notwithstanding the fact that the occupation is illegal, the health, safety and wellbeing of the protestors is being supported through daily checks by a Bord Bia health and safety officer, alongside regular building inspections to ensure the occupied space remains safe.
Food, water, medicines and sanitation facilities continue to be provided and facilitated.
Bord Bia has also appointed independent security to manage the building on a 24/7 basis.