Diamond materials firm confirms 75 workers will go

A company that manufactures diamond materials for industrial use is to lay off 75 workers at its plant in Shannon, Co Clare.

Management at the Element Six factor say some of the jobs will go immediately, while others will be shed over the next 12 months as part of a worldwide restructuring plan.

The jobs are expected to be shed in the administrative section of the company, which has been operating in Shannon for over 45 years.

Local Fine Gael councillor Madeline Taylor Quinn said today that the news was a devastating blow for the Shannon region.

"I just hope that this is not the beginning of a trend," she said.