Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are serious concerns in my home town of Dundalk that Authentic Food Company Dundalk, formerly known as the Heinz factory, is in trouble. The company has stated that the environment is challenging. As the situation stands, there is no production planned past 26 October. The parent company in Manchester refuses to confirm closure. There is no communication whatsoever with the employees. There are over 180 employees there and those families are panicking at the moment.

Is there any chance the Tánaiste can get the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation to come to Dundalk? Today is 4 October and the families are afraid of their lives that the factory is going to close at the end of the month. It is great coming out and announcing jobs. Dundalk has had plenty of jobs in the last years. However, it is even better to save jobs. I am not asking the Government to throw a load of money at it. I am asking it to come down and see can it help keep the factory open and keep 180 families at work. I urge the Tánaiste to help us please.

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