FG: Government must replace Mayo jobs

Fine Gael Senator Jim Higgins has called on the Government to provide alternative employment for Co Mayo workers who will be made redundant next year.

The 271 ESB employees in Bellacorick will loose their jobs when the plant shuts.

It is currently the biggest employer in the north Mayo village and Senator Higgins says the loss of those jobs will come as a devastating blow to the area.

Mr Higgins said: "Bellacorick is an area that has suffered the ravages of unemployment and emigration for generations and for an area alike this to suffer the loss of 271 jobs, it's the equivalent of closing down of every industrial job in Dublin."