It’s hoped the best possible outcomes can be secured for employees of Daktronics in Ennistymon.
It comes as the American multinational has entered redundancy talks with its workforce at the North Clare plant.
Founded by John Neville in 1979, Data Display employed up to 150 people in the Deerpark Industrial Estate at its peak.
When the business was acquired by Daktronics in 2014, a condition of the sale was that the original sales, service, manufacturing and engineering teams would be retained.
Some of the staff now entering the redundancy consultation process have been with the company for over 45 years.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says the importance of the business to the wider region cannot be understated.
Daktronics has long been a global leader in the production of digital scoreboards, billboards, road signage and public transport displays.
It’s even landed lucrative contracts over the years servicing the London Underground, New York Subway, the Paris Metro and the DART.
In a statement to Clare FM, however, the company says it is now considering a proposal to exit its “highly customised international transportation business”.
As part of this process, Daktronics says it has notified its Ennistymon employees that “their roles are at risk”.
It’s understood the employees are not affiliated with any trade union and have been asked to nominate representatives for discussions with senior management, who have flown in today from South Dakota.
Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says it’s crucial workers get the professional support they need to secure the best possible outcomes for their futures.
Listen to the full interview here:
