Waterford City and County councillors have voted to formally call for the resignation or removal of Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin.

Members passed the emergency motion during the Council’s monthly plenary meeting on Monday afternoon.

Overwhelming Support for Emergency Motion

A total of 29 councillors supported the motion.

One councillor voted against it, while one abstained.

Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy was the sole member to oppose the motion.

Independent councillor Declan Barry chose to abstain.

Similar motions have been passed in other local authorities across the country.

Background to the Controversy

Mr Murrin has faced sustained criticism in recent weeks due to his role as chair of Bord Bia while also holding a senior position with Dawn Farms.

The controversy centres on the company’s use of Brazilian beef in some processed products. That issue has intensified amid opposition to the proposed Mercosur trade agreement, which many farming groups argue would undermine Irish agricultural standards.

Farmers have also raised concerns about differences in regulatory oversight between Ireland and South America.

Protests and Political Scrutiny

The Irish Farmers' Association has staged repeated protests outside Bord Bia offices in Dublin. Protesters have demanded Mr Murrin’s removal from the role.

The issue has also dominated political debate. Mr Murrin appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture last week, where TDs questioned him

Motion Proposed

Fianna Fáil councillor Tom Cronin proposed the emergency motion in Waterford, that was seconded by Sinn Fein councillor Kate O'Mahoney.

Councillor Nugent described the circumstances as "unfortunate". While Councillor O'Mahoney said that confidence is damaged and cannot be restored.

Sinn Fein councillors had submitted an emergency motion, but only one motion can be taken, so a motion was done across teams in the chamber.

Several councillors echoed concerns, pointing to the regulatory burden faced by Irish farmers and the potential reputational damage to the sector.

Call for Government Action

The motion calls on Mr Murrin to resign immediately.

If he does not, councillors are asking the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Government to intervene.

Councillors said decisive action is needed to restore trust in Bord Bia and protect Ireland’s food reputation.

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