Closure to weaken Irish case in EU reforms

THE decision to close Carlow Sugar Factory and upgrade the Mallow site leaves Ireland with just one processing plant at a time when the planned European sugar regime reforms have the potential to wipe out the industry in Ireland.

MEP Mairead McGuinness issued the warning yesterday when she said replacement jobs had to be secured and the proposals resisted at European level.

Ms McGuinness said an initial impact assessment by the European Commission into the proposed reforms points out that Ireland is one of the most vulnerable countries.