'Desperate Times For The Area' - Tullamore Chamber Responds To Loss Of 300 Jobs

Thursday, 29 August 2024 10:11

The facility in Tullamore has over 300 staff.

The Enterprise Minister says 'all arms of the State' will be used to assist workers affected by the closure of an Offaly manufacturing plant.

As many as 315 people have been impacted by Cardinal Health's decision to consolidate its operations in Tullamore to other facilities in March 2026.

Staff and union reps this morning were informed of plans to begin a phased closing of the site from next April.

Enterprise Minister, Longford Westmeath TD, Peter Burke, says he'll be trying to secure alternative employment for the workers:

Tullamore Chamber says it expects the closure to have a knock-on effect on the town.

President, Anthony Hanniffy, says it's shocking news:

Industrial Organiser with the Union, Ashling Dunne, says they'll now begin a 30-day consultation period with the company:

The company closed operations at the Tullamore site yesterday when it called staff to today's meeting.

Staff left the meeting at around 11.10am this morning, while SIPTU reps stayed until shortly after midday.

In a statement to Midlands 103, a spokesperson from Cardinal Health says: "Commercial activities in Ireland will not be impacted by these plans.

This decision is part of our regular assessment of our global business, manufacturing and supply chain operations to ensure we are able to meet the evolving needs of our customers, the industry and our business"

Fine Gael Councillor Neil Feighery says it's terrible news for the town and the affected families:

It's understood the closure will see one of the company's product lines discontinued and the remaining two relocated to Mexico and Costa Rica.

The plant was first operated by Sherwood Medical in 1982, but has changed hands numerous times over the years.

Midlands North West Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen says: "the closure will have a profound impact on the local workforce, many of whom have dedicated years of service to the company."

He says more needs to be done to promote the Midlands region:

While Fine Gael Laois Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has described today as a "black day" for Tullamore, and says he's spoken to Enterprise Minister, Peter Burke, who's assured him the State will do all it can to assist.

In a statement to Midlands 103, IDA Ireland says its thoughts are with the affected staff and their families:

"We will continue to engage with the company as well as regional and national stakeholders to support those impacted and will work with the company to seek alternative investments for the site."