Expressing his shock and disappointment for the 500 workers at the Molex Ireland manufacturing facility in Shannon and the many more who will be affected by its closure by the end of next year, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said he would do all in his power to ensure that the full resources of the State would be deployed on their behalf.

He also called on the Mid West Regional Enterprise Group to establish a task force to alleviate the devastating impact of the job losses. He said that this group should include the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Clare County Council, local public representatives and officials from the Departments of Business, Enterprise and Social Protection.

“There may also be a case for support from the EU in that the initial indications are that the fallout from the trade war between the US and China was a critical factor in the decision to close the Shannon facility.

“I am currently making representations to key decision makers including Business and Enterprise Minister Heather Humpreys, my constituency colleague and Minister of State Pat Breen, IDA Executive Director Mary Buckley and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty to ensure that alternative employment can be found for all those affected by the closure.

“Minister Humphreys has already spoken with the Global CEO of Molex and she will prioritise engagement between the IDA and Molex to explore the creation of replacement jobs.

“I have also asked Minister Doherty and the Department of Social Protection to do everything possible to assist those impacted by the job losses and to ensure that the full range of State employment and re-training supports will be made available to them.