Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is great to see the Sligo-Leitrim constituency so well represented by Deputy MacSharry and also by Deputy Kenny in raising this extremely important issue. I raised this issue with the Taoiseach yesterday and he agreed it was a hammer blow for the community in Collooney, with a population of approximately 1,700, to lose 80 jobs. It is a massive blow to the workers, their families and the surrounding community.

We can talk all day about how bad it is. The question is what will be done about this. Perhaps one of the tiny bright lights on the scene is that there is a research and development facility there where there are 11 jobs. The Taoiseach said that perhaps there was the potential for further investment. We need to hear from the Minister of State today that IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Minister responsible will put this issue high on their agenda and ensure there are replacement jobs.

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