Couglan Meets Mayors To Discuss Manufacturing Jobs Blow

The Irish Trade Minister has held talks with elected representatives in the mid-west to discuss a way forward, after the axing of 1,900 manufacturing jobs in Limerick.

Mary Coughlan met with the mayors of Limerick City and counties Clare and North Tipperary.

Clare Mayor, Madeleine Taylor Quinn welcomed the Minister's pro-active response to the jobs crisis.

Speaking prior to the meeting, Mayor Taylor Quinn said: "I will be calling on the Minister to immediately set about identifying a replacement industry that will help act as a source of employment for workers affected by this announcement.

"Furthermore, I will be requesting that the Government and relevant agencies put the necessary supports in place to ensure that existing business and potential start up companies are encouraged to invest in the region."

Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, John Gallahue described the Dell announcement as one of the gravest challenges ever faced by the mid-west economy.

The competitiveness of the local economy has been seriously undermined by this announcement.

"Limerick County Council supports the establishment of a concerted and collaborative effort to ensure that the competitiveness of other businesses and the wider region is not damaged by the recent announcement," he said.

(PR/BMcC)