Sugar factory closure - Workers face uncertain future

After more than 150 years, the sugar beet industry in this country disappeared yesterday with the closure of the Greencore factory in Mallow, leaving in its wake a devastating impact on the local economy.

It resulted in the loss of 320 full-time and part-time jobs, although the economic effects will be felt directly, and indirectly, by about 5,000 people, and a loss of €100 million at a national level.

Only 10% of the workers have found alternative employment, and a severance package has still to be finalised for those who have lost their jobs.