Plans for €500m sugar site faces delay

GREENCORE’S plans to develop a €500 million project on the site of the former Mallow Sugar Factory could be delayed.

The fears arose after calls were made yesterday on Cork County Council members not to rezone the site for Greencore’s project until issues relating to former workers and beet growers are resolved.

Some 145 former workers say they are owed €3.4m in redundancy payments because the company has not honoured a Labour Court recommendation.

And the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) also said the rezoning should be withheld until beet growers are paid their full compensation, as allocated by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

Greencore has lodged outline proposals with Cork County Council for the landmark regeneration project which is expected to generate 2,000 jobs.

Over 1,000 residential units, an industrial and commercial zone, amenity areas and a hotel, spa, conference centre and championship golf course are planned for the Mallow West project.

Cllr Sean Sherlock said the proposal is about Greencore adding to its profit margins and to its shareholder value.

Cllr Sherlock said there was a view across all political lines that the land should not be rezoned until the rights of the workers have been vindicated.

Kieran Buckley, spokesman for the former Irish Sugar workers, said they were not against the creation of employment.

But it was hurtful to see the amount of money at Greencore’s disposal for the project while at the same time the company was refusing to pay the outstanding €3.4m redundancy.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said councillors should not facilitate the property development plans when beet growers have not been compensated.

“I’m calling on the members of Cork County Council to do the honourable and decent thing — stop the Greencore greed until farmers and workers are dealt with fairly,” he said.

However, Greeencore insists the redundancy payments are full and fair, are consistent with the Labour Court recommendation and are in compliance with a company-union agreement.

Greencore development director Geoff Doherty said it was deeply regrettable that people had lost their jobs. He understood the upset that had caused.

“Our obligation was to treat our workers fairly. It is our view and our strong view that that is exactly what we have done. The package that we have offered represents one of the better severance packages in the State.

“It is based on a long standing company union agreement. The average payout is in excess of €150,000. A number of individuals are getting in excess of €200,000.

“I think by any measure that represents generous and fair compensation,” he said.