Loss of manufacturing jobs hits Meath
Issued : Tuesday 21 February, 2006
Following the announcement of 350 job losses at the NEC plant in Ballivor Co Meath, Labour TD for Westmeath, Willie Penrose has called for targeted jobs action for the area.
“My sympathies are with those 350 workers who have learned today that they are to lose their jobs. This plant has been in operation for over three decades, and these job losses will be felt all across Meath and Westmeath. State job creation agencies should be instructed to give priority to this area immediately,” said Deputy Penrose.
“In addition urgent Government action is needed to stem the flow of manufacturing job losses across the economy.
“Unfortunately this closure is part of a pattern we see emerging in the Irish employment market.
“While the overall level of jobs has remained buoyant, well paid jobs in the manufacturing sector are being replaced by less well paid jobs in the services sector.
“In the long term this well inevitably lead to problems. The ongoing loss of manufacturing jobs should now ring alarm bells in Government.
“The Government, and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in particular, must devise new strategies to ensure the maintenance and security of technology based industries in Ireland.”
“Many parts of our country are now dependent on a very vulnerable service and construction sectors. The Government needs to outline as a matter of urgency a strategic plan to protect and develop our manufacturing base.”
