STATEMENT: Bishop Duffy calls for task force in response to announcement of 170 job losses at CameronI am very shocked to learn that 170 skilled jobs will be lost at the Cameron plant in Longford. This is a terrible blow to the employees, to their families and to our local economy.
The fallout from this announcement will have a devastating impact on the fabric of our local community, and on the dignity of those who are to lose their jobs.
Relative to other regions, Longford and the midlands have been neglected in terms of State economic support.
Today I am calling on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Ms Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, to immediately establish a dedicated task force which should include representatives from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and to report by the end of November on possible ways to secure future employment for those affected.
This weekend, special prayers will be said at Sunday Masses in Longford parish and in neighbouring parishes for all those whose livelihoods are affected.
+Francis Duffy
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois