SOME 200 jobs are to be lost in Louth as medical technology company Becton Dickinson (BD) plans to close its plant in the region.
The operation, based in Drogheda, will be wound down over the next two and a half years.
The total job losses are understood to include 70 redundancies that were previously announced last year.
The firm, which manufactures medical devices, said the decision was taken after a recent review of its global manufacturing and supply chain network.
The company has been in Drogheda for 60 years and said the move was not a reflection on the work of the affected employees.
In a statement, the firm said: “As a responsible business, we have to ensure that all of our operations are efficient and that our resources are allocated in the most effective manner possible.”
The company added that it remains committed to Ireland and that there will be no impact on any of BD’s other Irish sites as a result of this decision.
It also said it is committed to working with the IDA to find a new owner for the Drogheda site.
Reacting to the announcement, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said a full range of supports will be made available to those impacted.
He said: “My first thoughts are with the workers and their families as they receive this news today.
Most read in The Irish Sun
“It is hugely disappointing news as the company has provided significant employment in Drogheda.
“We will examine each option to minimise the impact on employees.
“The full range of state supports will be made available to the employees.”
Union reps have called for immediate Government intervention to protect the local economy following the closure announcement.
SIPTU Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, said: “SIPTU representatives will immediately engage with the employer to attempt to save as many jobs as possible.
‘Quality employment’
“BD has provided quality employment for decades in the county Louth area. The announcement of the plant’s proposed closure is a devastating blow to workers, their families and the wider community.
“All stakeholders, including the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and the IDA must get around the table with us to work on how we can save or attract quality jobs for Drogheda and the surrounding area.”
He added: “SIPTU will not accept anything less than concentrated and swift Government intervention to ensure an IDA-backed manufacturing company remains in this area.
“We cannot allow a situation where the skills of our members in BD and the infrastructure that is in place already is allowed to go to the wall while the Government sits on its hands.”