Factory closure a devastating blow to town and workers
Mallow Development Partnership chairman John McDonnell said the town’s traditional industrial base is almost eliminated.
“There is an urgent need for radical and immediate measures if the town is to live up to its hub status and if some credence is to be given to the principle of balanced regional development,” he said.
Mr McDonnell said the Government and the job creation agencies must place Mallow as a top priority for a major new industry.
Cork East Fianna Fáil TD Ned O’Keeffe said the sugar factory closure was a devastating blow to farmers, workers and the economy of the Mallow area.
He called on the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to give North Cork priority attention as a matter of urgency.
“They have neglected the area for a long time and especially since the rationalisation of Dairygold Co-op,” he said.
Labour TD Joe Sherlock, who worked in the factory for 18 years, said the closure will come as a huge shock to the area. His sympathies were with those workers who are to lose their jobs.
“This plant has been in operation for generations, and these job losses will be felt all across North Cork. State job creation agencies should be instructed to give priority to this area immediately,” he said.
Senator Paul Bradford (FG) said farmers and workers had done everything possible over the last few months to keep a viable industry open but unfortunately it was to no avail. He claimed the entire sugar industry had been sold out by Minister Mary Coughlan.
“The growth of alternative energy crops represents a feasible substitute for the current sugar beet industry but this Government steadfastly refuses to explore this option,” he said.
Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan said it was inexcusable for the company to rip jobs away from hard-working loyal employees and their families without warning or consideration.
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