Former Irish Steel workers get payout

AROUND 400 former workers at Irish Steel have received a pre-Christmas payout, while major creditors should get an estimated 20% of the €30 million they are owed.

The workers, who were made redundant in June 2001, when one of the world’s wealthiest men decided to close the plant in Haulbowline, Co Cork, are among preferential creditors designated by liquidator Ray Jackson of KPMG.

Mr Jackson said yesterday that in recent days former workers received cheques worth €1,000 each, which were in lieu of claims for minimum notice payments and holiday entitlements.