Calls for emergency action after Tyco losses

THERE were calls last night for an emergency package to stimulate employment in Cork after the city’s second devastating jobs blow in a week.

Security device manufacturer Tyco blamed rising operating costs for its decision to close its Bishopstown plant over the next 12 months with the loss of 320 jobs. It followed news from ready-meals manufacturing firm Swissco earlier this week that 150 jobs are at risk.

Business leaders and opposition politicians demanded immediate action from the Government as the city’s unemployment figure reached almost twice the national average.

Fine Gael’s Simon Coveney TD said unemployment within the city boundary is running at just over 10% — the national average is just under 6%.

“Cork is the country’s second city and should now become a priority for targeted investment,” he said.

The city’s multi-billion euro Docklands regeneration project, which will create thousands of construction jobs, could provide the economic stimulus the city needs, he said.

“But it is outrageous that all the Government’s commitments in relation to the Docklands project are unravelling.”

Business leaders said the Docklands project could help stem the flow of jobs.

“It’s been a very bad week for job losses in Cork, and a difficult 12 months, particularly against the background of the downturn in the construction sector,” Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said.

He called on the Government to use the budget to introduce tax breaks and incentives aimed at the Docklands project.

Chamber president Joe Gantly also urged the Government to commit funding for the proposed Eastern Gateway Bridge — a key piece of infrastructure needed to open the south docks for development.

Labour TD Ciaran Lynch called on Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan to devise a strategy to retain manufacturing industries.

“There is little point in spending huge sums of money attracting new industries if we find it so difficult to hang on to those that have been here for decades,” he said.

Lord Mayor Brian Bermingham said the State agencies should help Tyco staff, whose skills are highly transferable, to find employment in other firms nearby, particularly in the IDA’s business park where US firm Alcon announced an expansion which will create more than 180 jobs.

Meanwhile, it emerged last night management at Galmoy mines in Co Kilkenny could bring forward the closure of the mines with the loss of 210 jobs. Losses at the zinc and lead mine could begin within weeks.