A Galway TD is calling on the Tánaiste to convene an emergency meeting of the Western Region Enterprise Committee after the news that 115 jobs will be lost in Ballinasloe.
Aptar have announced that they will cease operations at their manufacturing plant in Ballinasloe by the end of this year, costing 115 jobs in the town.
The decision by Aptar to close their plant at the IDA Business Park in Ballinasloe comes after a review of operations and engagement with employees over the past two months.
Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten said that the level of engagement between the government and Aptar so far has been “deeply disappointing”, and has failed to save local jobs.
It is now “imperative” that alternative employment be sought for the 115 people who will lose their jobs, Deputy Naughten said, calling for Tánaiste and Minister for Employment Leo Varadkar to convene and chair a meeting of the Western Region Enterprise Committee.
“We now need an immediate emergency meeting of this Committee directly chaired by the Tánaiste to drive investment into Ballinasloe,” Denis Naughten stated.
The Western Region Enterprise Committee is made up of all the Local Authorities as well as the Enterprise Agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, tourism bodies, third level colleges, education & training boards as well as other business representatives.
This body is needed to help “drive investment” to Ballinasloe, Denis Naughten said, not just looking at Aptar, but also at what could be done with the St Brigid’s Hospital site, and towards developing the town as a tourism “crossroads” for the region.
“I have already pointed out to Minister Varadkar how it is hugely frustrating that Ballinasloe always seems to be just one positive decision away from unlocking its full potential.”
“I doubt there is a town in Ireland with infrastructure on a par with Ballinasloe and we must now see a very focused employment plan for the town from the Western Region Enterprise Committee driven by the direct intervention of the Tánaiste.”
