13 May 2002

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Adams calls on Ministers to intervene at bottle plant

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams met with trade union representatives and workers at the Ardagh glass bottle plant in Ringsend today. He was accompanied on the visit by Sinn Fein candidate for the area Daithí Doolan. Following the meeting Mr Adams called on the Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey and the Tanaiste Mary Harney to "intervene directly to secure the future of the company and the jobs". Mr. Adams said:

"The Ardagh plant is the only glass recycling facility in this state. If it is allowed to close it will be a disaster on two fronts. 400 workers will lose their jobs and the waste management crisis will be deepened. The State must move in immediately.

"I am calling on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Noel Dempsey and the Tanaiste Mary Harney to intervene directly to secure the future of the company and the jobs. I would support calls previously made by the Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin for the State to takeover the Ardagh plant in partnership with Dublin City Council and SIPTU.

"Given the essential role this plant plays in our waste management infrastructure the governent is duty bound to intervene now. Local authorities have invested in new collection facilities for glass bottles througout the country but if Ardagh closes their main recycling outlet for this material will be gone. This must not be allowed to happen." ENDS

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