Government blamed for south east job losses

Niamh Nolan

As the fallout continues from the closure of Waterford Crystal's Dungarvan plant with the loss of almost 500 jobs, the South East Regional Authority called for urgent intervention to stem job losses, which totalled more than 1,500 in recent months.

"The south-east region's employment situation is worsening, with the most recent unemployment rate standing at 6.2%, the highest of any Irish region, and way above the national rate of 4.7%," Councillor John Brennan, cathaoirleach of the South East Regional Authority, said.