‘More damaging’ to lose jobs outside of Dublin

A Waterford TD has said it is “far more proportionately damaging” for every job lost in the county compared to a job lost in Dublin.

Fine Gael TD John Deasy’s comments come after 50 voluntary redundancies were sought from Waterford-based company Honeywell Transportation Systems recently.

“When 50 jobs go it is not, in any respect, a minor issue because it has a major impact on Waterford city, which is still suffering from the recession,” Mr Deasy said.

The firm, which manufactures parts for the transport industry, said changing customer demand means that some of the products it makes in Waterford are no longer required.

On employment figures, Mr Deasy said he “wouldn’t go down the road of painting a rosy picture when it comes to the city in particular”. However, he is confident that, over the next few years, employment prospects will improve.

“I don’t think anyone can give assurances that there won’t be job losses in any part of the country even when the economy is booming,” said Mr Deasy. “All I can say is that the IDA, who I speak to all the time, are confident that over the next year or so they’re going to bring in a sizeable number of jobs and new employment in the south-east.”

The news at Honeywell follows last month’s announcement that the company would seek 15 job losses at the plant. The 50 job losses announced last Friday are in addition to these voluntary redundancies.

Sinn Féin senator David Cullinane

Unemployment levels among people with disabilities in Waterford city and county was also addressed yesterday.

Waterford Disability Network, which represents a number of disability organisations in Waterford, held a conference entitled ‘A Voice for All’ and highlighted the benefits available for potential employers who may be considering hiring a person with a disability.

Sinn Féin senator David Cullinane, who attended the event, said it was “madness” that people with disabilities are not able to access mainstream labour activation schemes.

“Forty thousand people with disabilities can and want to work in this state but cannot due to lack of support and opportunities. This needs to change,” said Mr Cullinane.