Poultry plant closure set to devastate local economy

WEST Limerick’s thriving €20 million a year poultry industry faces a complete wipe-out with the loss of more than 300 jobs at a processing plant.

The impending closure of Castlemahon Food Products brings to an end a local industry which up to early last year had employed more than 550 workers and supported an additional 150 farmer suppliers.

All the jobs were lost within 18 months, with Castlemahon previously shedding 150 jobs in February 2005.