Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow, Pat Casey, has said the potential closure of Rondo Food in Arklow, with a with a projected loss of over 100 jobs, must be avoided at all costs.
It is reported that management at Rondo Foods will meet today to discuss the future of the business.
Deputy Casey called on the Government to pull out all the stops to keep the company from closing.
Deputy Casey said, “It is my understanding that Rondo Foods has been feeling the effect of Brexit and the volatile market. They have reported negative financial results which are not sustainable.
“If Rondo Food closes, the impact on the region will be devastating. This many job losses in one town is huge and my thoughts are with the employees and their families who are rightly wondering what happens next.
“The Government must do all they can to assist the company to keep its doors open and people employed. I would ask that Minister Humphreys speak with management at the earliest possible opportunity and discuss the next steps for the company and what supports are in place from her Department to help them to mitigate against the impact of Brexit.
“In just three weeks we have seen 500 job losses announced for Co. Clare, 320 in Ringaskiddy Co. Cork, over 80 in two Power Plants in the midlands and now this. The Government urgently need to outline what they are going to do to bring jobs to the rest of the country.
“Having spent many months working on bringing a data centre to Arklow I know what the town has to offer. The infrastructure network is excellent, and we have a highly educated workforce.
“I will be working closely with local Councillors Tommy Annesley, Pat Fitzgerald and Pat Kennedy to ensure that there are alternatives in place for employees and that they will be able to access any necessary Government supports.
“It is important now, that management engage with staff to outline a clear picture of what the future holds,” concluded Deputy Casey.
