Louth TD calls for 'all arms of the State' to assist Dunleer workers losing jobs

Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has called for 'all arms of the State' to be used to assist those losing their jobs in Dunleer, following the news today that 70 jobs are to go at Glen Dimplex.

The Sinn Féin TD said he was contacted by senior management at the firm this morning who advised him that 70 manufacturing jobs are at risk at the Dunleer site and staff affected were advised at 9.30am.

Deputy Ó Murchú said he understands that a combination of a 50% drop in the heat pump market in Europe, particularly in France and Germany, as well as the fact that Glen Dimplex has a manufacturing plant in Newry has led to the decision.

He said he understood, however, that the company will retain a significant presence in the County Louth town into the future, with plans for an expansion of their warehousing and sales and distribution divisions, which are successful parts of the business.

The Louth TD said that the difficulty is that there is, according to the company, a 12-month lead-in time because of planning for a new development on the site, before the jobs will be available.

He said that the company had been in touch with the relevant State agencies and government departments about the situation and the consultation with affected workers is underway.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: "This is a really sad day for the workers in Glen Dimplex in Dunleer, which is particularly hard news to bear at the start of a year. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.

"And while there is some good news in relation to the manufacturing and sales and distribution division, it is not going to make much difference to these 70 workers as these positions will only be available 12 months from now.

"This is a terrible blow for the affected workers and their families and I would hope that all arms of the State are used to assist them in finding new employment and carrying out a skills audit for those who are facing redundancy. Everything possible should be done to mitigate the job losses here."