Opposition TDS have reacted angrily to the news that Greencore is to end sugar production in Mallow, laying the blame for the job losses with the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan.
Fine Gael spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Denis Naughten, accused the minister of turning her back on those who rely on the sugar industry.
"It is clear that the lack of information was at least in part responsible for today's announcement by Greencore," he said. "The Minister has from day one, stepped back from this issue and left sugar beet farmers and workers to drift without any political leadership and without presenting any policy alternatives."
Labour TD Joe Sherlock, who is a former employee of the plant, said it was a huge shock to the area and called for government action to stem what he described as an emerging pattern in the Irish employment market.
"Minister Mary Coughlan agreed with EU agriculture ministers to cut the price of Irish sugar by a massive 36 per cent," he said. "The Minister has not done her best to keep the industry alive, in fact, her performance has been abysmal."
The Green Party also criticised the announcement, describing it as a "cruel and unnecessary decision"
"The company cannot use the excuse of changing conditions within the EU and new trade rules from the World Trade Organisation to justify its decision this time," said Green Party spokesperson for Finance Dan Boyle.
Sinn Féin Spokesman on Agriculture, Martin Ferris, blamed the Government for failing to protect the sugar sector.
"One of the most successful state enterprises in this state has been run into the ground since it was privatised, with Greencore proving that their only interest was to parasitically feed off an industry which they had no intention of developing," he said.
"Even at this late stage I am calling on the Government to intervene in order to save both the Carlow and Mallow plants and jobs, and the production sector," Mr Ferris added.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment Micheal Martin, has expressed his disappointment over Greencore's decision, and assured workers that finding alternative employment for affected staff was a top priority for the Government.