Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

Wellman International in Mullagh, County Cavan, a pioneer in fibre manufacturing since 1973, faces an uncertain future. The company was placed in examinership on 3 June. It has just 100 days to find an investor or buyer to save 217 highly skilled jobs that are vital to the communities of east Cavan and north Meath.

Local Independent Ireland councillor Shane P. O'Reilly, a strong advocate for the workers, has raised serious concerns about management decisions and the lack of State support over the years. It is astonishing that a company which once recycled 4.5 billion bottles annually is not being utilised for the deposit return scheme when 80% of collected bottles are exported to mainland Europe. It is a clear missed opportunity by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.

I urge the Tánaiste and the State to take immediate action. We do not need reviews or task forces. We need results with 92 days remaining. I will meet the employee committee at Mullagh alongside my Independent Ireland colleague, Councillor O'Reilly. We stand firmly behind them and will ensure the Government does not stand idly by. What will the Tánaiste and Government do to save this company and the 217 jobs at risk?

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