A hotel in Co Wicklow was among 14 businesses across Ireland hit with enforcement orders last month, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed — part of what officials say is a worrying pattern of basic hygiene failures during one of the busiest periods of the year for the food industry. The Glendalough Hotel in Glendalough was shut down after inspectors uncovered evidence of a rodent infestation, which was deemed a “grave and immediate risk to public health.” According to the FSAI report, rodent droppings were discovered in the main food preparation area, including on the floor of the kitchen’s internal dry store, beneath the dishwasher area, under the hot holding unit, and beneath the pot-wash area. Inspectors also found a rodent carcass and additional droppings in the bar area. The closure order was issued on November 5 and lifted on November 7.
The hotel was just one of 14 closure orders served in November, with inspectors reporting dead and live cockroaches, cigarette butts in food preparation areas, and widespread structural and hygiene issues across a range of premises.
Another business, Enzos Take Away at 87 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, was ordered to close after a Health Service Executive Environmental Health Officer found that the premises had “not been effectively cleaned” and had not been disinfected where necessary. The officer also highlighted structural disrepair, poor layout, insufficient facilities, and generally poor hygiene standards, all of which “significantly increase the risk of food contamination.” The closure order for Enzos was issued on November 28 and has not yet been lifted.
In Co Kerry, both the main kitchen and storage areas of McHales Catering Base and Stretford End Bar in Drumkeen Causeway were shut down after inspectors found rodents under a fridge and droppings in corridors, storerooms, and on shelving. One inspection report described floors, walls, and ceilings “covered in dirt, grime and cobwebs.”
This order was served on November 28 and lifted the next day.
Elsewhere, Big Johns Takeaway in Upper Mohill, Co Leitrim, was issued a closure order following evidence of rodent activity and what was described as “a ponding of a grey sludge-like material” leaking from the potato preparation area. The HSE noted: “The premises remained open and continued to trade despite confirmation of an active pest infestation.”
This order was served on November 20 and lifted on November 21.
Closure Orders are issued when a business fails to comply with food legislation, and can apply to all or part of a premises or its activities. The FSAI emphasises that these cases are not routine slips — they indicate conditions that could directly threaten public health.
FSAI Chief Executive Mr Greg Dempsey said November’s actions should act as a timely warning to all food operators, particularly as the festive season brings a surge in demand and pressure.
He said: “Consumers have a right to safe food, and there is a personal responsibility on owners, managers, and all employees to comply with food safety legal requirements at all times.”
During high-pressure periods like Christmas and New Year, Dempsey stressed that having robust food-safety systems is non-negotiable:
“During the busy festive period, it is especially important that food businesses have proper procedures in place to manage increased demands and pressures.”
He also reiterated the legal requirement for businesses to notify the competent authorities before operating, ensuring that adequate processes, facilities, and hygiene systems are in place.
Takeaway businesses remain a key concern for regulators. They account for almost a quarter of all Enforcement Orders issued so far this year. In response, the FSAI has launched a dedicated guidance hub for takeaway operators, designed to help the sector improve compliance.
Dempsey said: “The resource includes guidance tailored specifically to takeaway operations, highlights the most frequent compliance issues in Ireland, and provides practical advice on how to prevent and control them.”
With 14 more closures added in November alone, the FSAI says vigilance from both businesses and consumers remains essential.
