Sinn Fein spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment and Workers’ Rights, Louise O’Reilly TD, has described the news of more than 360 redundancies at VMware in Ballincollig, Cork as ‘a devastating blow’ for the company’s workers.

Speaking this evening, Teachta O’Reilly said:

“The past number of years has seen significant volatility in the tech sector and large layoffs at some of the biggest tech companies globally.

“The recent announcement that VMware in Ballincollig were consulting with employees on restructuring of the company sent alarm bells ringing.

“At that stage, my Sinn Féin colleagues Thomas Gould TD and Joe Lynch in Ballincollig raised concerns and wrote to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, urging him to do everything possible to save jobs in the town.

“The news that has emerged today – of 364 redundancies – is devastating for the workers involved, particularly in the run up to Christmas. This is a devastating blow. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend solidarity with them and their families at this time.

“As an IDA supported company, it is incumbent on the government to engage with VMware to do everything that can be done to ensure job losses are minimised during the consultation period that will now follow this announcement.”