Drogheda TDs call for action after 200 jobs lost

Drogheda TDs have been meeting with the Minister for Enterprise today to discuss up to 200 job losses at a medical devices factory in the town.

Becton Dickinson (BD) announced plans yesterday to gradually wind down the operation in Drogheda over the next two and a half years.

The company has been operating in the Co Louth town for 60 years.

Sinn Féin’s Imelda Munster described the announcement yesterday as a “body blow to the town”.

She and her party colleague Ruairi O’Murchu met Minister Peter Burke today and have asked him to ensure the IDA prioritises Drogheda for job creation and future investment.

“I spoke with the Minister for Enterprise about this, and he said he hopes to meet with the Chief Executive of BD in New York next week, and that he intends to meet with the Chamber of Commerce and other local stakeholders in Drogheda in the coming weeks”, Deputy Munster said.

“Whilst the proposed interventions by the Minister may be worthwhile, I reiterated to the Minister that he really needs to impress upon the IDA that a strong focus on Drogheda is now urgently needed.”

Deputy Munster accused the current and previous governments of allowing what she called the neglect of the town and called for more jobs and investment for the area.

The issue was also raised in the Dáil today by Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd, who described the news as devastating.

He said there seemed to be “no early warning system” to the relevant minister about BD’s plans to close the plant and that the Department had only been informed the evening before.

Deputy O’Dowd said it was imperative that the Government use every available opportunity to support the company.

In response, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that state agencies would support the affected workers.

Mr Martin said the IDA would have to work with the site and the plant to see if they can get alternative investors in.

Labour’s Ged Nash described his meeting with Minister Burke and IDA today as “useful”.

Deputy Nash said that the Minister is to meet with BD on a trade mission to the US.

“I asked him to make a request of the company to review their decision,” he said. “Every job counts and nothing should be conceded. Subsequent to that meeting he agreed this afternoon, on the floor of the Dail, to meet with SIPTU.”

Deputy Nash said that a jobs and enterprise task force needs to be established.