Closure of Debenhams store in BlanchardstoSinn Féin TD for Dublin West Paul Donnelly has described the closure of the Debenhams store in Blanchardstown as a ‘big loss for workers’.

He said:

“Although there has been concerns about the viability of Debenhams over the past number of months due to the company going into administration, it has still come as a shock to their many hard working staff across the State.

“The current crisis is worrying enough for those whose stores have been forced to close, but for many currently out of work their jobs will most likely be there for them when this crisis is over. Regrettably for Debenhams staff, this will not be the case.

“I have written to Empower CEO Adeline O’Brien to request that a special task group be set up to support the workers of Debenhams in Blanchardstown to link them in with new job opportunities and also any new job opportunities when this crisis is over as companies ramp up their operations again.

“This is going to be an extremely stressful time for workers and their families, and I can assure them that I am here to support all workers who need any help in accessing supports.

“I will also be working with my fellow Sinn Féin colleagues in the Dáil in areas where workers will be affected by the closure of Debenhams.”