Warrenpoint Port Removes Stinking RDF but Harbour Authority Says Investigation Must Continue

16th September 2025

Jehan Ashmore

Foul odours: At the Co. Down port of Warrenpoint, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) has been removed, as residents complained of the smell, first reported in 2023, which had become unbearable. Credit: Warrenpoint Port-facebook

It has been confirmed by the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) that Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) has now been completely removed from the Co. Down port.

This follows with hopes that the foul odours will dissipate following a number of years that have plagued the port town on Carlingford Lough with its core ro-ro freight link to Heysham, England.

The WHA issued a statement yesterday to say it “shared the frustration of the local community” and added they have held an “extensive engagement” with a recycling company, ReGen, based in nearby Newry.

With the removal of RDF from the port estate, which has been described as a welcome development, the WHA has proposed an alternative method of disposal to finally resolve the odour issue. In the future, RDF should not be stored at all within the port and should instead be directly transported to ships for export.

As for Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), the WHA was informed it should be non-odorous and is now being stored on-site.

Armagh I has more to report on the development at the regional port.

Published in Ports & Shipping, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in Ports & Shipping

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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