Every avenue should be explored for resolution

of Lagan Brick dispute says Deputy Conlan

Cavan/Monaghan Fine Gael Dáil Deputy Seán Conlan said yesterday that it was imperative that every avenue was explored in an attempt to save 29 jobs at the troubled Lagan Brick Ltd in Kingscourt, County Cavan which ceased manufacturing prior to Christmas. Deputy Conlan was speaking after he visited the brick manufacturing plant on Saturday last as part of a Fine Gael government delegation. 25 SIPTU workers blockaded the yard in protest over the closure and at inadequate company redundancy terms since the sudden closure was announced on 15th December last.

Deputy Conlan said: “I am very concerned about the situation that has developed at Lagan Brick in Kingscourt. I met with the SIPTU workers at the plant on Saturday and during those discussions the workers made it very clear to me that, in their opinion, the brickyard remains a viable plant. I am aware that the matter is now before the Labour Relations Commission and that workers and management have come to an interim agreement which will hopefully lead to an overall solution to this industrial dispute.  Hopefully, under this LRC brokered interim agreement the Independent  Assessor’s report to both sides will offer a real chance to save these jobs by keeping the plant open.”

The LRC talks reconvene on January 30th   and consider the independent assessor's report  after the company’s book’s have been examined to access the viability of continuing manufacturing at the Kingscourt facility. In the meantime, workers have agreed to facilitate the release of up to 300,000 bricks for delivery to customers the proceeds of which are expected to be ring-fenced for workers  redundancy payments should it be required.

Cavan/Monaghan Fine Gael Dáil Deputy Seán Conlan said yesterday that it was imperative that every avenue was explored in an attempt to save 29 jobs at the troubled Lagan Brick Ltd in Kingscourt, County Cavan which ceased manufacturing prior to Christmas. Deputy Conlan was speaking after he visited the brick manufacturing plant on Saturday last as part of a Fine Gael government delegation. 25 SIPTU workers blockaded the yard in protest over the closure and at inadequate company redundancy terms since the sudden closure was announced on 15th December last.

Deputy Conlan said: “I am very concerned about the situation that has developed at Lagan Brick in Kingscourt. I met with the SIPTU workers at the plant on Saturday and during those discussions the workers made it very clear to me that, in their opinion, the brickyard remains a viable plant. I am aware that the matter is now before the Labour Relations Commission and that workers and management have come to an interim agreement which will hopefully lead to an overall solution to this industrial dispute.  Hopefully, under this LRC brokered interim agreement the Independent  Assessor’s report to both sides will offer a real chance to save these jobs by keeping the plant open.”

The LRC talks reconvene on January 30th   and consider the independent assessor's report  after the company’s book’s have been examined to access the viability of continuing manufacturing at the Kingscourt facility. In the meantime, workers have agreed to facilitate the release of up to 300,000 bricks for delivery to customers the proceeds of which are expected to be ring-fenced for workers  redundancy payments should it be required.