A whole community devastated

Neans McSweeney, Dungarvan

After the workers passed reluctantly over the steps of Lawlor's Hotel to a meeting with management, the media waited for news outside. They didn't have to wait long one disgruntled worker burst from the meeting, anxious for a cigarette after hearing the news. Three hundred and ninety people were to lose their jobs in Dungarvan, and a further 95 at the city plant in Waterford.

The devastation will affect the whole community. The Waterford Crystal wage into Dungarvan alone is in the region of E10m, according to local chamber of commerce vice president, Shay Harty.