Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan, Matt Carthy, has described the announced closure of three Lakeland Dairy sites, including two in County Monaghan, as a devastating blow for the workers involved and the local economy.

Lakeland Dairies today announced a ‘new strategic direction’ that will lead to the closure of the liquid milk production facility at Monaghan Town and the Milk drying facility at Lough Egish, alongside the closure of the Lakeland Dairies site in Banbridge, Co. Down. The resulting job losses are estimated at 78.

Teachta Carthy said:

“This is a devastating blow.  The worst affected will be the workers involved and their families.  These are job losses that the local economy can ill-afford. Monaghan is highly dependent on the agri-food sector and this announcement will have a profound impact.

“I have made contact with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that all possible supports are provided to the workers concerned.  

“A swift government response is required to ascertain whether these jobs and these facilities can be saved, and we need co-ordinated action to ensure that there are no further job losses in this sector.

“I intend to work with all other elected voices in pursuit of these objectives.”