The Labour Court did not recommend conceding the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union's compensation claim over disruption during roof replacement work at the Walkinstown depot of Smurfit Corrugated Cases. The union cited scaffolding, noise, heat, dust and restricted access. The company said it chose a costly option to keep production running and avoid laying off staff. The Court acknowledged the inconvenience but noted that the work was relatively short and avoided a production shutdown and staff lay-offs. The recommendation was dated 23 January 1998.