Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs and Workers’ Rights Maurice Quinlivan TD today called on the Minister for Business to step in and assist the 500 Molex workers who are to be made redundant over the next year after the company’s decided to close its Shannon based factory.

Speaking from Leinster House today, the Limerick TD said;

“This is devastating news for the 500 workers at Molex, many of whom have worked with the company in Shannon for decades.

“Molex is now one of the biggest employers in the area and has been operating in the Shannon Free Zone since 1971.

“This will be the biggest loss of jobs in the mid-west since the Dell plant closed in 2009. Combined with job losses at Roche and Moneypoint, it’s clear the mid-west needs far greater State support when it comes to jobs and employment opportunities.

“The job losses announced today are devastating, but also deeply concerning is the number of indirect jobs in local businesses which will also be affected by this news.

“The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, must ensure the workers affected are supported and offered re-training, further education and help finding new employment.

“I am also calling on IDA Ireland to focus on attracting new businesses to locate in the Shannon Free Zone, preferably from the same sector, which may alleviate some of these 500 job losses.

“This is very difficult news for the 500 staff affected and it’s vital they are supported by the social protection system in the short term and by the employment services and jobs agencies going forward.”