Treacy Expresses Grave Disappointment at Job Losses in Ballinasloe

Mr. Noel Treacy T.D. Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce this afternoon (Friday 18th February, 2000) expressed his grave disappointment at the loss of 100 full-time jobs and all part-time jobs at the A. T. Cross manufacturing facility in Ballinasloe.

Minister Treacy said "I understand that today's announcement by A.T Cross follows the parent company's decision last week in the US to significantly restructure their world-wide operations, to cope with the continuing severe losses which have been going on over the last 3 years. The remaining 60 full-time staff will continue to be employed to operate the company's European logistics and distribution centre. "

Minister Treacy continued "I am deeply disappointed with this news. It is a severe blow to all of the excellent workers involved and my sincere sympathy is with them. I understand that the company will be making a fair and reasonable redundancy package. The main emphasis now is to find alternative employment for the area, to replace these job losses. I have been in close contact with the regional state agencies IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Board and they have assured me that every effort will be made to attract new industry to the area and assist existing industry."

The Minister said "IDA Ireland have been intensively promoting Ballinasloe over the last 18 months. They have been working closely with the Local Authority and the Chamber of Commerce and have recently acquired land to develop a high quality Business Park of 39 acres. The entrance to the Business Park has been completed and services to this part of the Park have been installed. The IDA are also in the process of building a new 27,000 sq. ft advanced factory which is due for completion by the end of March next. I know that over the past few weeks IDA have arranged two official site visits to the area, from potential investors interested in finding a location."

Minister Treacy said "I have spoken to the Tánaiste and she has re-iterated the Government's commitment to industrial development for the area. I wish to assure the People of Ballinasloe, that the full support of both our Department and the state agencies will be available to assist the creation of new jobs in the area. I will take the relevant actions necessary, as soon as possible"