Losses at the college bar catering business at one of the country's largest universities total almost €700,000 since 2013.

NUI Galway Student Union Commercial Services Ltd operates the bar and catering services at NUI Galway and the Labour Court heard the business "has undergone dramatic changes to ensure its survival".

It was also told the firm continues to exist because its cost base has been drastically cut.

The firm is owned by the NUI Galway Students Union Board of Trustees and extensive cost-saving measures were explored, including redundancies. Positions identified were duty manager of the College Bar/catering services; the supervisor of Smokey's Cafe; and sous chef at the College Bar.

Sous chef Alan Traynor brought an unfair dismissal action. The Labour Court has now found in his favour and has ordered the NUIG catering firm to pay him €12,000.

Irish Independent