Disappointment has been expressed across the political spectrum in Clare, as well as in the Dáil, following the announcement of the closure of Molex.
Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry has more.
There are fears in Shannon that the blow delivered by Molex will be even bigger than the headline suggest.
While 500 jobs are to go at the company, local representatives including Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn say the effects of the Molex withdrawal will be felt far and wide.
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Clare Oireachtas members have added their voice to concerns – Fianna Fáil TD, Timmy Dooley has equated the loss of 500 jobs in Clare to 10,000 jobs in Dublin,
Senator Martin Conway says all state agencies charged with economic development must take immediate action to prevent any further job losses in the Shannon area.
Fine Gael’s Joe Carey and Independent Michael Harty have called for a Task Force to be set up.
While, Mayor Of Clare, Councillor Cathal Crowe has reiterated his claim that European Funding is needed to to alleviate the impact of recent jobs losses in Clare.
He too agrees a Task Force is the obvious next step.
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Shannon Chamber says there’ll now be a strong focus on securing employment opportunities for those who are left out of work.
CEO Helen Downes says supports will be needed so that workers can transition seamlessly to other roles.
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Meanwhile, in Cork, SIPTU representatives say they are seeking an urgent meeting with the management of Novartis.
The pharmaceutical company announced it’s cutting over 300 jobs from its workforce in Ringaskiddy, in a second major employment blow in as many days.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin says every state support needs to be afforded to the 800 people across both companies that will lose their jobs:
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