IFI officials meet with Harney

Officials from Irish Fertiliser Industries are meeting with Tanaiste Mary Harney at the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment.

600 jobs are at stake, as is the future of the company's three plants, in Cork, Arklow and Belfast.

The plants are under threat due to the depressed state of the fertilizer market.

Any loss of jobs at the Cobh plant would be seen as a crippling blow to the area following job losses at the ISPAT steel works and Youghal Carpets.

The Government currently holds the majority shareholding in the plants.

SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Noel Dowling said at least one viability plan has been rejected, and claims Ms Harney is disposed towards the closure of the plants.