THE Department of Agriculture is currently reviewing applications for the approval of new horse slaughter facilities following the closure of Shannonside Foods in Kildare last year.

Two separate submissions are currently being considered, the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal this week.

Approval to operate as an equine slaughter premises, similar to all meat food business operator applications, is a two-stage process. The first step is the submission of a notification of intent, and both applications are at this stage.

The Department has said that it is not possible to say when an approval for an equine slaughter premises will be issued.

Export

The number of horses being exported for slaughter has increased significantly since Shannonside Foods – which was at the centre of an RTÉ documentary, exposing multiple animal welfare breaches and allegations of horse identity fraud – was closed last year.

According to the Department, the number of horses exported for slaughter in 2024 and to date, in 2025, was 165 and 359 respectively.

“As regards the current trade in export of horses, if there is a market for such horses, the trade may well continue, even if a slaughter facility becomes available here,” a Department spokesperson said.