Urgent works are required to enable the Isle of Man meat plant to continue to function, DEFA has warned.

The building fabric and some of the mechanical services in a plant described as being an essential link in a self-reliant Manx food chain are showing signs of ageing, with parts in 'an extremely poor condition'.

At this week's sitting of Tynwald, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will seek members' approval to spend ?1.6million to extend the life of the plant until at least 2029. DEFA says the loss of the meat plant would have an significant impact on the agricultural industry.

The money will be used to implement a substantial refurbishment project, alongside a new 15 year lease between the government and the Fatstock Marketing Association (Isle of Man Meats). DEFA says the refurbishment will give the plant a new lease of life.

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