Further jobs blow for Fermoy

French company FCI Ireland BV has just announced it is to close its Co Cork manufacturing plant by the end of next year with the loss of 240 jobs.

The company says the decision is part of a global restructuring plan to move manufacturing operations to low cost locations.

The company makes precision electrical connectors for the automotive industry in Fermoy, and employs 260 people there.

The plant, which opened in Fermoy ten years ago, is to close by the end of 2008. Twenty people will continue to be employed in customer support.

This is a further blow to the north Cork town still reeling from the announcement before Christmas that BUPA Ireland, in withdrawing from the Irish market, is to close its Fermoy headquarters with the loss of 300 jobs.