Liebherr to ‘re-evaluate’ Irish plant operations

A multinational corporation is “re-evaluating’’ its dependency on its 670-job Irish operation following a Labour Court recommendation that it pay back money to Siptu workers.

Liebherr, which has been manufacturing container cranes in Killarney, Co Kerry, since 1958, said plans for further expansion and increased employment at the plant are now in jeopardy, and some work is being transferred to its overseas plants.

In a statement yesterday, the company said it was disappointed with a Labour Court recommendation that it pay 2.5% in back pay, which will automatically be received by all of its Killarney employees.