EU money could be withheld from Greencore

QUESTIONS have been raised as to whether Greencore can proceed with its plans for Mallow and Carlow and draw down the money awarded to it under the EU compensation package for the sugar industry.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, Martin Ferris, TD, said the commission had informed MEP Mary Lou McDonald that all obligations linked to the restructuring plan, such as the redundancy arrangements for the workers must be met if the company is to receive the payment.

It is quite clear from the reply that Greencore has not met its obligations to its former workers, and that it is therefore not entitled to draw down the money, he said.