200 job losses due to closure of Louth medical tech firm

As many as  200 jobs are to be lost after medical technology company BD announced today it is to close its plant in Drogheda, Co Louth.

The company, which has been in Dorogheda for 60 years, will be wound down over the next two and ahalf years

Drogheda TD Ged Nash has slammed B-D’s decision to close it’s Drogheda plant saying:  “This is devastating news for 200 loyal workers and their families. It is also a massive blow for Drogheda.

“Drogheda is Ireland’s largest town. It will now lose it’s only large-scale IDA-backed manufacturing company.

“This government and its agencies are asleep at the wheel when it comes to investment in Drogheda.

“It is easier to work to retain jobs than create them. The question for this government and the IDA is – when did you know about B-D’s plans, and what have you done to keep these jobs in Drogheda?

“Fine Gael and Fianna Fail seems content to see Drogheda, with already enormous rates of commuting to Dublin, become an effective dormitory town to supply the city with workers.

“Drogheda’s location, skills and infrastructure should make it an ideal location for jobs investment yet all we are treated to is patronising lip-service from this government.

“This government must now set up an expert-led enterprise task force to address the question of investment in Drogheda to avoid our area becoming a foreign direct-investment backwater.”

The loss of jobs in Drogheda due to the closure of the Becton Dickinson (BD) site is a major blow to the local community,  Deputy Fergus O’Dowd, Fine Gael TD for Louth and East Meath, said.

“I am deeply concerned and disappointed that BD intend to discontinue manufacturing at their Drogheda site.

“No effort must be spared to aid staff in securing new employment. 

“BD has operated out of Drogheda for over 60 years and has played a major role in supporting the local economy, so this is truly devastating news for the employees and their wider families, who have in many cases worked for this company for generations.

“Everything must be done to ensure that staff and their families get the support they need, whilst also seeking alternative employment and upskilling.

“It is now imperative that we do all we can to attract more investment to Drogheda in light of this announcement. Drogheda has the workforce and infrastructure to be a hub for industry and we have a 40-acre IDA site which is primed and ready to provide highly skilled employment.

“I have spoken directly with BD and I will remain in contact to ensure that appropriate redundancies are provided and that the company meet their statutory obligations, as they have promised.

“I have impressed upon the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, to ensure that the Government provides the affected staff with whatever assistance is required at this difficult time and to work with the state agencies to ensure that engagement is maintained at the highest level, so all avenues are pursued to safeguard jobs, if there is any possibility to do so,” concluded Deputy O’Dowd.