An Irish company that had signed up to a deal with ESB in 2010 to develop 50 megawatts of geothermal electricity in Ireland has abandoned its plans — and the country — because the Government has not yet legislated to support the clean energy technology.

Three businesses were told to close last month amid concerns over food safety, officials said today.

A High Court judge has appointed an interim examiner to a west of Ireland construction firm that employs 150 people.