Naughten highlights Athlone job losses in Dáil

Local TD Denis Naughten has highlighted job losses in Athlone in the Dail this week.

The Independent representative asked Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton what steps were being taken to address the loss of up to 230 staff in two important local employers, Alkermes and Covidien.

In his reply, the Minister said he was not aware of 'any current issues' in relation to the Covidien facility in Athlone but he mentioned the September 2011 announcement of 100 voluntary redundancies at the plant.

Earlier this year, Alkermes said it would be axing between 100 and 130 jobs at its facility in Monksland.

Minister Bruton said he was 'confident that the on-going efforts of IDA Ireland and the other development agencies will continue to enhance job creation in the Athlone area.'

Deputy Naughten said: 'The job losses at these two plants not only have a direct impact on staff and their families but will also take approximately €8m from the local economy.

“It is imperative that all possible steps are taken to bring replacement jobs to Athlone through new investment in existing plants or new green field investment.

'Furthermore, staff who are made redundant must be given every opportunity to re-train or establish their own business, which may have the potential to create employment in the future.”