Intensive talks in bid to halt mine closure

A reprieve could be on the cards for Tara mine workers, as talks begin on Monday in a bid to avoid the temporary closure of the facility.

Union representatives will begin "an intensive engagement "with the management of Tara Mines in Navan to discuss alternatives to its proposal to temporarily close the facility and place approximately 650 directly employed staff on layoff.

It is expected the intense negotiations will take place over Monday and Tuesday of next week.

A spokesperson for Tara Mines said; "We met with trade unions this morning and over the last number of days and will have further meetings next week. We will listen to the unions' proposals and continue to converse with them as we have done over many years.

"The situation that has emerged in relation to the company's finances is unsustainable and we had to take action to stem the cash outflow. This decision was taken so as to safeguard the long-term future of the mine."

SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “In recent days, union representatives have had discussions with management and Government representatives in relation to the announcement that the mine will be temporarily closed and the impact this will have on the workers, the wider community and economy.”

He added: “Union representatives have demanded that management engage with us to look at alternatives to the proposed layoffs. Management have now agreed to this position and we will endeavour in intensive talks which are to begin on Monday to work towards an outcome which will maintain the operation of this mine.”

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: “The protective notice of layoff of workers at Tara Mines remains in place. We will enter the talks process with a constructive attitude in an effort to ensure the future of this vital strategic economic asset.”

Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, met management and trade union representatives who presented him with a submission on how the government could play a part in resolving the difficulties at the mine. yesterday (Thursday) evening to discuss the crisis.