Calls for sugar industry forum

THE Government has been urged to establish a forum on the future of the 80-year-old Irish sugar beet industry.

Cork East Labour councillor Sean Sherlock from Mallow, who made the call, said he was doing so in response to local farmers and workers’ representatives who feel that the uncertainty surrounding the future of the industry must be addressed directly by the Government.

He said the forum should involve Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, Greencore chief executive David Dilger, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) leader Padraig Walshe and representatives of workers and hauliers.