THE DONEGAL Gaeltacht
has suffered a major blow today as Largo Foods
announced it would close at the end of the summer
with the loss of 142 jobs.
Local politicians expressed shock at the
announcement and urged the Government to intervene.
Staff were told at a meeting this afternoon that the
Donegal facility which makes Tayto and other well
known brands, will close in August. Redundancies
will commence as early as May.
Sinn Féin T.D., Pearse Doherty said: “Firstly, I am
absolutely devastated for the workers at the plant
and their families. Today their worlds have been
turned upside down with this news. I know many of
the workers personally as friends and neighbours and
I am truly saddened by today’s developments.
“This is a black Friday for Gweedore – the scale of
this announcement in a small rural area such as ours
is massive. This news is not just devastating for
the workers in the plant but for the whole
community," said Deputy Doherty.
“There will be a knock on effect in the local
economy with hauliers, suppliers and service
providers all being impacted by this announcement.
“In my view, the announcement here today calls for
an immediate intervention from the Minister for
Jobs, Richard Bruton. He needs to come to west
Donegal to see the scale of unemployment and the
effect it is having on this community.
“His immediate priority must be to see if any of the
current jobs can be retained in the area or to
secure another suitable industry at these premises
as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill
said: “This is the loss of 110 full time jobs and 30
part time jobs in Gaoth Dobhair in a matter of
months.
"It’s a devastating blow for the workers and their
families. Many staff have worked there since the
company first opened 18 years ago and many have
other family members who also work there. They are
now wondering what they will do after the summer.
“I am calling on the Minister for the Gaeltacht
Dinny McGinley and Údarás na Gaeltachta to intervene
immediately,” said Senator Ó Domhnaill. |
