Job Losses At Electronics Company Another Devastating Blow To Shannon Region’s Manufacturing Sector

Tyco Electronics confirmed that it is to streamline its plastic products manufacturing processes by transferring that section of its business to its companies based in China, Mexico and India.

Mayor of Clare Cllr Patricia McCarthy and Shannon Mayor Cllr. Sean McLoughlin expressed concern that the jobs blow was the fourth such announcement to be made by a local manufacturing firm in recent weeks. Last month, 260 jobs were lost Analog Devices in Limerick, and Rothenberger Ireland and Mohawk Europa in Shannon.

According to Mayor McCarthy, "Business, community and political leaders across the region fear that the recent manufacturing job losses could mark the beginning of a haemoraging of the sector in the Midwest. The massive uncertainty created by the potential loss of direct access from Shannon Airport to the international hub in London Heathrow has heightened fears that other multinationals could follow suit by announcing job cuts or plans to relocate elsewhere."

"Today's announcement by Tyco coincides with the first full Government debate on the Shannon-Heathrow issue and should serve as reminder to the Government that any failure to retain services between the airports could result in further significant job losses", she added.

Shannon Mayor Sean McLoughlin expressed concern that some of those who have lost their jobs will find it difficult to secure new employment.

"Many of these workers, who have been employed in the manufacturing sector for many years, will find it difficult to upskill themselves. Therefore, it is going to be extremely difficult for them to secure new employment in present day high-tech knowledge-based companies", explained Mayor McLoughlin.

He indicated that the series of recent job losses required immediate Government intervention.

"I would like to know what the Government is going to do about protecting existing jobs and generating new employment in the manufacturing sector. Enterprise Minister Michael Martin, who is on weeklong trade mission to the US, needs to take the necessary steps to ensure we do not lose anymore jobs in this sector", concluded Mayor McLoughlin.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public
Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Patricia McCarthy (087-4187132) and Mayor of
Shannon Cllr. Sean McLoughlin (086-2473712) are available for
interview and further comment.