Killarney hopes Liebherr's investment is too big to fail

Almost as much as that venerable landmark Ross Castle, Liebherr has become iconic to Killarney, as well as being a national flagship industry.

This dispute is about much more than the jobs of the 670 people employed in the huge crane factory: At least as many more jobs in smaller companies, suppliers of various services, and several other businesses depend on Liebherr.

It is far and away the largest industry in Killarney, apart from tourism, so this huge dependence on the Switzerland-based multinational would make its departure from the beauty spot apocalyptic in economic terms locally.