FG MEP slams expected closure of Carlow sugar plant

Fine Gael MEP Avril Doyle has criticised Greencore's apparent intention to close its sugar factory in Carlow and transfer production to Mallow.

The board of the company is expected to approve the move in a meeting later today.

Greencore had previously hinted that it may close one of its sugar plants, blaming EU reform plans for the sugar industry.

However, Ms Doyle said today that this was disingenuous because the EU reforms were not due to come into force for some time.

"To close down, a couple of years in advance of when it might actually be necessary, can only point to one thing - that they're taking advantage of the real estate market at the moment and cashing in their very valuable property in Carlow," she said.