Greencore probed on sugar plant plan
The factory will be the country’s sole centre for beet processing following the company’s decision to close its Carlow factory.
European Parliament member Simon Coveney made the call as Fine Gael representatives met with the IFA in Cork to discuss the impact of the company’s decision.
He said Greencore’s decision to close its Carlow plant by mid-March, as part of a major Irish Sugar rationalisation, which will result in the overall loss of 187 full-time and 137 seasonal jobs, was totally premature.
“The European Union is in the process of debating sugar reform proposals and so, until the results of that debate are concluded, the decision on whether Ireland should have one or two sugar factories should not be made,” he said. Mr Coveney said he and his fellow MEPs within the Fine Gael group are determined that any sugar reforms would keep quota reductions and price reductions to a minimum in order to keep the production of sugar beet viable and attractive.
“The decision by Greencore will significantly damage the case being made by Irish politicians to keep our full quota intact.”
Mr Coveney said Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and Greencore need to immediately clarify to the IFA exactly what the position is in regard to the ownership of the national quota IFA sugar beet section chairman Jim O’Regan said Greencore’s decision to close the Carlow factory was damaging and irresponsible. IFA would be fighting to ensure there is no damage to the interests of beet growers. It called an emergency meeting of growers in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, on Monday (8pm) to discuss the situation.
