Urgent Court Hearing: €576,386 Debt to 12 Farmers Exposed

UPDATE: A court hearing today revealed that Asba Meats Ltd, a Halal meat processing plant based in Shannon, allegedly owes over €576,386 to 12 farmers across Ireland. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights troubling issues of unpaid debts that have persisted for months.

The operator of Asba Meats, Tarequr Rahman Khan, stands accused of failing to pay farmers between April and November 2023. Among the most affected is Denis Heffernan from Loughcurra, Kinvara, Co Galway, who is owed a staggering €243,238. The Agri-Food Regulator has initiated legal action citing unfair trading practices, with a total of 24 summons against Khan and his company.

In court, Jonathan Moore, solicitor for the Agri-Food Regulator, disclosed that while some payments have been made, a total of €304,980 remains outstanding. The debt includes amounts owed to other farmers, such as €93,800 to Fintan Keane from Ballyashee, Kilnamona, Co Clare and €49,562 to Kieran Kelly from Moneen Lower, Kilrush, Co Clare.

Moore emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “The regulator’s role isn’t debt collection. Our role is enforcement against offences that occur after considerable non-payment.” Judge Alec Gabbett underscored the situation, stating, “And that is an unfair trading practice.”

The court hearing, which lasted several hours, revealed that the legal costs associated with this case could reach approximately €32,000, a figure Moore noted is minor compared to the total debt owed. He also mentioned that there are 80 counts of non-payment against both Khan and Asba Meats Ltd.

Asba Meats’ solicitor, Colum Doherty, indicated that significant payments had already been made from the total debt listed. He expressed confidence in resolving the issues surrounding the company’s finances and confirmed that Khan remains in control of the business.

The case has been adjourned until February 20, 2024. Judge Gabbett stated that his decision regarding the case’s jurisdiction will depend on how the situation is handled prior to the next court date. The penalties for conviction could escalate significantly, ranging from fines to potential imprisonment.

This developing situation will continue to affect not only the farmers involved but also raise questions about business practices within the agricultural sector in Ireland. The urgency of unpaid debts is a pressing issue that resonates across the industry, highlighting the need for transparent and fair trading practices.

Stay tuned for further updates as this case unfolds.