Roches job row ‘can still be resolved’

THE owner of a Cork shopping centre where 172 retail staff were made redundant has claimed a deal to secure the jobs was 95% complete as late as Friday evening.

Wilton Shopping Centre owner Joe O’Donovan insisted yesterday that a controversial lease deal can still be resolved and the jobs restored.

Enterprise and Employment Minister Micheál Martin has agreed to mediate in round table talks between Mr O’Donovan, Marks & Spencers (M&S) and the former anchor tenant at the centre, Roches Stores.