Press release
Statement by the Tánaiste on BorgWarner jobs announcement
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said:
"This is a devastating day for the employees of BorgWarner and their families. The company has been a significant source of employment in Tralee for three decades and this announcement will come as a major blow to the area. I held a conference call with representatives from the company and the IDA this evening to express my concern at the decision.
"The company informed us that demand for their product was in decline and this was not related to COVID-19. They agreed to offer an enhanced redundancy package to staff and would speak to their employees and their representatives about this. They agreed to work with the IDA to find an alternative investor for the plant.
"The IDA did everything it could to sustain the firm’s presence here over recent years. The government and the Agency were not, unfortunately, informed in advance that the company was considering closing its facility in Tralee.
"The government will make all necessary State assistance available to the workers. The Minister for Social Protection is aware of the situation and we will work across Government, to help them find new employment, education and training opportunities soon.
"I am very conscious of what these job losses mean for Kerry. The County has had a very difficult number of months, given the importance of tourism and the impact that COVID-19 has had on that industry in particular. We will be working hard to help Kerry rebound from this and to create new economic opportunities. The July Jobs Stimulus will be an important part of that response.
"While this announcement certainly comes at a very challenging time for the Irish economy, the government is determined to repair the damage inflicted on our jobs market in recent months and get our people back to work. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ireland remains a very attractive location for foreign direct investment and we will be working hard to maintain a pipeline of investment in all parts of Ireland."
ENDS