Works stops on Mornington factory
WORK on the £400,000 fishmeal factory at Mornington came to a standstill on Tuesday last, when some fishermen, it is believed, beached their boats on the site and refused to move them.
And, as a result, the workmen who were employed there clearing the site, were laid off when bulldozers were unable to clear the site because of the obstacles.
The fishermen claim they have traditional rights to the land which is now being used as a site for the fishmeal plant.
“We are not prepared to move the boats under any circumstances. We are looking for our rights and we intend to hold them. We are one hundred per cent behind progress, but progress must be justice,” said one of the fishermen.
It was expected that the building of the plant would give employment to at least 15 men. But with the servicing of the boats and people required to run the factory it was anticipated that employment would have “been found for a considerably greater number.’ It is believed that the majority of fishermen in the area are in favour of the factory.
Some time ago, the firm of Ch Salveson & Co., Scotland got planning permission from Meath County Council for the building of the factory, which would have an intake of 350 tons of fish per day.
In the meantime, Drogheda Harbour Commissioners have expressed concern over the present situation. In fact, efforts to end the dispute by them over the weekend failed. They offered an alternative site for beaching the boats and spreading the nets, but this offer, it is understood, was turned down.