News of plans to create 491 jobs overshadowed by losses

THE two faces of the Irish economy were in full show yesterday as plans to create as many as 491 new jobs over the coming years were overshadowed by 391 people being told they are now surplus to requirements.

On the same day as 351 workers in Dublin, Shannon and Athlone were told to join the growing dole queues, Government officials were at pains to emphasise the positive employment news.

Among them was Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who last night greeted the announcement of a new €40 million bio-mass plant in Rhode, Co Offaly, as a “shining example of the tangible benefits that the smart economy can bring”.