Portlaoise Iceland store trading with a lot less products as Dublin shops shut

Despite the closure of a number of Iceland branches in Dublin this morning, the Portlaoise store is continuing to trade albeit with less stock due to food safety issues. 

As staff in Dublin have reportedly occupied one Iceland supermarket in Dublin where a sit-in is now underway. 

However, Portlaoise's Iceland store on the Mountmellick Road is continued to operate on Wednesday, June 20. However, there was a noticeable list on the front door of the shop with the names of many products that have been withdrawn from sale.

The store opened its doors in 2018 when its operators said it would bring 37 jobs to the town. 

An interim examiner was appointed to Iceland’s Irish operations in the High Court on Tuesday. 

The court heard that Metron Stores Limited, which has got into difficulties due to factors including a recent order served on it by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland(FSAI) requiring it to withdraw all imported frozen food of animal origin from its stores, is insolvent and unable to pay estimated debts of €36m as they fall due.

However, an independent Experts Report (IER) has stated that the company has a reasonable prospect of survival if certain steps, including the appointment of an examiner, are taken.

Mr Justice Michael Quinn on Tuesday, June 20 appointed chartered accountant and insolvency expert Mr Joseph Walsh as interim examiner to Metron Stores, which operates 26 Iceland stores in the Republic of Ireland and employs over 344 people.

Operator of Portlaoise supermarket has estimated €36 million of debts

Staff arriving at a number of stores in Dublin were unable to gain entry. The shutting out of workers has sparked fears for jobs at other stores such as the Portlaoise branch at Gandon Court on the Mountmellick Road. 

Dublin Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin described the treatment of Iceland workers as  disgraceful. He called on Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney to intervene. 

“A ridiculous situation has occurred at Iceland stores across Dublin. Workers have been treated absolutely disgracefully by the company and it’s time for Minister Coveney to step up and get clarity for these workers,” said Deputy Ó Ríordáin. 

“The business has gone into examinership and the store has effectively closed, but staff have not been told. They turned up for work this morning only to be told they have no jobs. This is an absolutely crazy scenario,” he stated. 

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“My understanding is that Iceland stores across Dublin have been shuttered without any explanation to workers including shops on Talbot Street and Coolock. Minister Coveney needs to urgently find a pathway to consultation with these workers to ensure that they are not out of pocket in terms of wages owed and any potential redundancy payments they may be entitled to,” said Dep Ó Ríordáin.

The High Court was told the appointment of an examiner would be in the best interests of all the relevant parties and would give the company the best opportunity of surviving.  The company is also confident that it can obtain the fresh investment it requires.

The matter will return before the courts in two weeks' time.