160 Job Losses At MBNA

Fianna Fáil Senator Marc Mac Sharry says the loss of 160 jobs at MBNA highlights the need for targeted investment in the North West region. The company is planning to close its plant in Carrick-on-Shannon by the end of November.

Senator Mac Sharry commented: "These job losses are a devastating blow to the workers at MBNA and the local community. The threat of these redundancies has been hanging over staff at the company for some time, following a series of job losses at the facility over the past few years, but this latest announcement will still come as a shock.

"Every effort must be made to help staff secure new jobs, however given the lack of investment in Leitrim and the surrounding areas, this will be a difficult task. The State must ensure that workers are given every support necessary to help them find alternative work. This includes advice, training and education. These workers are skilled and experienced and it is essential that they are prioritised for jobs in the financial services sector.

"Leitrim and the North West region has been left behind by this Government when it comes to job creation and investment. Clearly the IDA is prioritising job creation in some parts of the country but the lack of visits to the county is clear evidence that this Government has no interest in giving the North West the attention it deserves.

"It is a prime example of the two tier recovery that is evident in many parts of rural Ireland, and makes it even more difficult to attract foreign direct investment."

(CD/JP)