Miners take their case to Leinster House

Workers at Tara Mines brought their case to Leinster House today where representatives of the SIPTU, Unite and Connect Trade Unions made a presentation to 25 TDs and senators, on the situation at the mine which will cease production on Friday

Meanwhile a colourful protest took place outside Leinster House as miners, in full work-gear, and their supporters highlighted the plight of the 650 strong workforce at Tara Mines.

Workers at Tara Mines are facing a period of temporary lay-off beginning on Friday (14th July.) They are currently voting on a set of proposals, relating to the lay-off, negotiated between their trade union representatives and employer, Boliden, and brokered at the Workplace Relations Committee. This ballot is to be completed tomorrow.

More than 650 workers are employed at Tara Mines and the facility is of strategic economic importance for the economy of the north-east.

SIPTU Sector Organiser John Regan said the unions had made a submission on eight points around social welfare, drilling licenses, royalties, and actions which could help get the mine back in production.

Deputy Peadar Toibin said there was an urgency to the situation as the political establishment was due to go on holidays tomorrow (Thursday).

"The government needs to stay focussed on this," he said.

Deputy Toibin said he would be speaking to the banks to see if they would grant a payment holiday to the workers while they are laid off.