National Pen decision ‘deeply disappointing’

THE announcement by National Pen that it is to seek redundancies at its Dundalk facility is ‘deeply disappointing’ according to Minister for Business and Innovation, Heather Humphreys.

‘ The company has stated that it has experienced a significant decline in demand for its products. It has advised the IDA that the steps being taken now are necessary to secure the long-term future of the business and preserve the positions of the majority of the workers at the Dundalk operation,’ said the Minister.

‘It is important to remember that, despite the loss of these roles, National Pen will continue to be a significant employer in the region. The company has confirmed that it remains committed to operating in Ireland and will retain 380 staff in Dundalk.

She added: ‘IDA Ireland has already made the company aware of the Government supports that are available. I understand that the IDA will also be working with National Pen’s HR team to connect staff with other clients in the IDA portfolio in due course.’

Ireland’s economy, as we all know, is outward-facing, export-orientated and reliant to a large degree on global FDI. However, the employment situation in Louth has been positive in recent years with over 4,400 staff employed in IDA firms in Louth, a more than threefold increase on 2010.’