Wyeth closure is ‘not comparable with Dell job losses’ in Limerick
THE planned closure of Wyeth in Askeaton is “not comparable” with the job losses in Dell in Limerick in 2009, local TD Niall Collins has said.
Around 542 roles are at risk of redundancy at the formula milk producer as its parent firm Nestlé shifts production to Switzerland and China.
It’s the single biggest job loss in Limerick since Dell announced the shedding of 1,900 roles in 2009.
But Minister of State Mr Collins, a government TD at that time, said comparisons should not be made.
“It’s not comparable. On so many levels. It’s obviously very traumatic for the workers. But the country and government is in a far better place to be able to support the workers and help them achieve alternative options in employment,” he said.
Mr Collins - who admitted that government was “blindsided” by the announcement - pledged the support of all three County Limerick TDs to the workers who will be impacted.
It was a sentiment reflected by Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan.
He said: “I think there is an element of shock in the area to be honest. This came out of the blue and there was no advance notice or feeling that anything was likely.”
He confirmed Jobs Minister Simon Coveney would be travelling to Askeaton, in the coming days, to meet with staff and local stakeholders.
“My focus now is to work with Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney together with the local plant management and employees to see what potential options there are for this hugely important plant,” said Mr O’Donovan.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said: “It’s a very sad time for west Limerick. Wyeth is there almost 50 years. You’re talking not only about the impact on the area, but the impact with the indirect services.”
The first citizen believes “time is on our side”, however, adding that he hopes Nestlé might reconsider its plans amid a change in the Chinese economy.
“Everything that can be done should be done to help those people most impacted. Not only the employees, but the companies contracted to them and the businesses in the area who’d get a lot of trade from Wyeth,” added Mayor Mitchell.
Wyeth initially opened in Askeaton back in 1974, meaning next year it marks its 50th anniversary in west Limerick.