A judge has expressed concern about the future for 55 workers at a Donegal meat plant being occupied in a dispute involving the premises’ owners and a bank appointed receiver.
Mr Justice Paul Gilligan expressed his concern ay the High Court today after being told workers at Edenmore Farm Meats Ltd, which leases the plant at Lifford, had been threatened and intimidated.
The plant has not been operating after a number of people allegedly illegally barricaded themselves into it in a dispute about the take-over of the premises by receiver Luke Charleton who was appointed by AIB.
Last week, AIB and Mr Charleton were given permission by the court to serve at short notice proceedings against the former owner of the plant Liam McGavigan, his brother Ciaran and unknown others allegedly occupying the plant.
The Irish Independent reports that when the matter returned before Mr Justice Gilligan, Andrew Walker Bl said he represented Edenmore Farm Meats and the company’s 55 employees are “not working”.
They had been subjected to threats of violence and would return to the premises until “matters are sorted out”, counsel said.
His client had forewarned the receiver in October the premises could be occupied.
Mr Justice Gilligan agreed to allow the company be joined as a notice party in the case.
The Judge adjourned the matter to next week.
The receiver is seeking orders preventing interference with his ability to run and dispose of the plant as part of AIB’s proceedings to recover debts to it by Liam McGavigan relating to three properties, the main one being the meat plant.
It is claimed the two McGavigans, along with others, have effectively shut down operations there by the sit-in.
Tags: