Town faces ‘tough task to create more jobs’

UP to five vacant factory buildings will soon be available in Killarney, but sources indicated, yesterday, it won’t be easy to attract new industries.

The town is to lose 87 jobs, with the imminent closure of the Transmould and Scott Tools plants, accelerating an already downward spiral in industrial employment in the area.

Both companies cited competition from China and other low-cost countries among their reasons to close.

There have been predictable calls for government and IDA action to lure more industry to Killarney, where the economy is largely dependent on tourism. Killarney mayor Brian O’Leary, FF, urged groups such as the town council and chamber of commerce to get together to tackle the crisis.

He also said new thinking was required, as it was becoming more and more difficult to get industrialists to come into the country, let alone Killarney and other towns.

“Many Irish companies are coming under pressure because of competition from Asian countries that can produce goods at a fraction of the cost,” said Mr O’Leary.

“We should be looking to attract niche businesses that are not subject to the same competitive forces.

“We now have several vacant industrial premises in Killarney, which is a very attractive area offering good quality of life and has a lot going for it,” he added.

Kerry South Labour TD Breeda Moynihan-Cronin called on Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Harney to visit the town, saying the closures were a major blow following a disappointing tourist season.

Killarney Chamber of Commerce president Conor Hennigan also urged the Tánaiste to visit the area.

“I think it’s time for her to help businesses in the town, but we can’t just roll over and capitulate to the latest setbacks,” he added.