Liquidator says Edenmore Meats directors should be made personally liable for €2.7m debts

The liquidator of Edenmore Meats Limited has applied to the High Court seeking orders to hold three former directors personally liable for company debts of approximately €2.7m. The application was heard before Mr Justice Oisin Quinn in the High Court on Tuesday. Official liquidator John Healy claims that directors Donal Gallagher and Richard Burke, along with Robert Daly who departed in 2017 but remained as company secretary, operated the meat processing facility in Lifford, County Donegal recklessly whilst it was insolvent. Email correspondence presented to the court referenced the firm's financial difficulties. The company ceased trading in 2016. Over one hundred farmers and businesses, owed approximately €1.5m collectively, are among creditors. The defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing, contending they acted responsibly and honourably throughout, and claim the business was already troubled upon their involvement. They also allege the facility's unlawful occupation in October 2016 prevented rescue efforts. The hearing is expected to continue for several weeks.