Former Lagan Brick employees James Smith, Simon Martin and Gerry White pictured during the early days of the protest at the factory gates last December.

One of the longest-running industrial disputes ever in the Meath area came to an end last week when SIPTU members at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant outside Kingscourt voted to accept proposals agreed between management and worker representatives.

The union said the deal provides for an equitable solution to the long-running dispute.

Last Thursday, SIPTU organiser John Regan said: "The workers ended their strike action after voting to accept proposals which provide for a fair and reasonable conclusion to the dispute."

In a statement, the Lagan Brick workers welcomed the agreement and thanked those who had supported them during the lengthy nine-month dispute, which had been ongoing since last December.