A dispute over unpaid wage has reportedly prompted a group of sub-contractors and suppliers to take to the picket line outside a Wexford hotel.

The group claims they are owed in excess of €3m for work undertaken at the White's Hotel development.

The four-star complex was completed in the summer of 2006; however, according to reports the protesters have only been paid for one third of the work.

The hotel has declined to comment on the dispute.

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Meanwhile, in other news, it has been suggested one of Ireland's most infamous stretches of road will not be upgraded until at least 2010.

The N11 Arklow to Rathnew in Wicklow is among six road projects that have reportedly stalled - against the backdrop of an economic recession.

The works expected to suffer are the Longford bypass; the Castleisland bypass in Kerry; the Carrigtwhohill to Midleton road in Cork; Newlands Cross in Dublin; and the Oranmore to Gort road in County Galway.

Works on the six road schemes have reportedly been deferred until 2010 at the earliest.

Despite this, it has been claimed the second phase of the M50 upgrade will be finished, in addition to six other road projects - totalling 143km of dual carriageway roads - to be opened by the end of next year.

(PR/JM)