Government accused of pandering to needs of farmers

UNIONS at the country’s only remaining sugar factory in Mallow last night accused the Government of pandering to the needs of farmers as the firm closes with the loss of 324 jobs.

As workers prepare to battle for their share of compensation, SIPTU said it was unfair 3,700 farmers could claim compensation even though new crops would be planted to replace beet.

SIPTU's national industrial secretary Gerry McCormac said: "Farmers will continue to be paid subsidies, even though they don't have to grow beet and they can grow alternative crops such as barley and wheat."

Pledging to "not stand idly by", Mr McCormac said unions would be seeking "the maximum possible redundancy package".

Unions are particularly angered Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan did not ensure another year of beet growing a move which would have bought more time for workers, farmers and the Government to consider future possibilities.

Last night Ms Coughlan expressed regret at Greencore's decision but pointed out that she had negotiated "substantial EU funds of around €310 million by way of compensation".

That regret was shared by Minister for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern and Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, who both said the full resources of the State would be available to help workers.

"Finding alternative employment for those Greencore staff affected is now a priority," said Mr Martin.

He also pledged to explore the possibility of an "alternative development" at the Mallow plant.

But with unions, farmers and the company effectively competing for any compensation, all sides last night threw themselves headlong into a bitter blame game.

Farmers, unions and opposition parties alike blamed the Government and Greencore management for the loss of the industry, while management at the company insisted EU sugar reforms were to blame.

Meanwhile, Irish Farmers' Association president Padraig Walshe accused the company of draining €300m in profits from Irish Sugar without planning for a viable future for the industry.

Macra na Feirme national president Colm Markey called for the possibility of a bioenergy plant to be considered as an alternative for the Mallow facility.

The potential for biofuel production was also raised by Sinn Féin's Martin Ferris and the Green Party deputy leader Mary White.

"There is a golden opportunity to turn this factory into a state-of-the-art biofuel plant, saving Cork jobs and generating huge employment within the local farming and business sectors," said Ms White.