06/10/09

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Greencore to clarify its position on the future of the Mallow Sugar Factory site following the collapse of Liam Carroll's Zoe Group. Deputy Sherlock made the comments following this week's decision by the Supreme Court to grant ACC's appeal against the High Court's decision to allow the second examinership attempt for the troubled Group. Recent reports have indicated that Ulster Bank is in effective control of Carroll's 29% share in Greencore having registered a charge against the shares.

"The site of the Sugar Factory has so much potential for North Cork that the situation at Greencore must be watched closely. The fact that Ulster Bank now effectively own almost a third of the company that in turn owns the site means that questions must now be asked as to their intentions for the stake in Greencore," said Deputy Sherlock.

 

Deputy Sherlock added that the issue surrounding the future of the Sugar Factory site is all the more pressing given the imminent review of the County Development Plan. A public consultation process will begin 2010 , this will include a review of the site.

 

"The current Cork County Development Plan describes the site as a ‘high environmental quality enterprise/employment zone of approximately 30 acres.' I would seek to ensure that these 30 acres are guaranteed for job creation. When the review of the County Development Plan begins in January 2010 it would be my firm view that this zoning arrangement should be maintained so that the obligation by Greencore in relation to job creation would be maintained," concluded Deputy Sherlock

 

Print