FG worried for 110 Co Tipperary jobs

Fine Gael has expressed fears for the jobs of 110 Co Tipperary workers who have been told not to show up for work later this month.

The Fair Oaks meat processing plant in Clonmel normally reopens in January following the Christmas holidays, but its 50 full-time and 60 contract staff have been told that the factory will remain shut for another two months this year, with production switched to the company's plant in Bagnelstown, Co Carlow.

Fair Oaks management said the decision was taken as part of Enterprise Ireland's national review of the Irish meat industry, but local Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes said he is "extremely suspicious" of the motives behind the closure.

"I'm putting it up to the company to come out and clarify for the people of south Tipperary exactly what they are doing in relation to the Clonmel Fair Oaks," he said.