Cabinet to discuss crisis-hit IFI

Health Minister and Cork TD Micheal Martin is due to raise the crisis at the semi-state Irish Fertiliser Industries when the Cabinet meets in Dublin today.

SIPTU has called on the Government to bail out the struggling company using Exchequer funds.

There has been speculation that IFI, which has factories in Arklow, Co Wicklow and at Marino Point in Cork, could be forced to close or downsize in the absence of investment from the Government.

Director Stephen O’Riordan said: “It doesn’t make economic or ecological sense, taking into account the strategic importance of a fertiliser producer on the island, to close Marino Point.

"We in the community want to save our jobs and the employees have a right to know where they stand.”