Sugar factory closes after 80 years

AN era in the country’s industrial history ended yesterday when Carlow Sugar Factory closed after almost 80 years of production.

The closure decision was part of a major rationalisation programme by Irish Sugar that has resulted in the loss of 189 full time and 137 seasonal jobs and the consolidation of all sugar processing in Mallow, where the company’s remaining factory is being upgraded at a cost of €25 million.

Irish Sugar said the decision is designed to ensure the survival of the business for 288 remaining staff and 3,700 beet growers in the face of impending EU reforms.