Two firms to lay off 130 in Ennis and Naas

Two multi-national firms have announced plans to lay off a total of 130 workers in Co Clare and Co Kildare.

The US firm, Thomson Financial, says it will be shedding 80 jobs in Shannon as part of a plan to move operations to India.

Mexican building materials firm Cemex, meanwhile, says it will be closing its plant in Naas with the loss of 50 jobs.

The company says the factory is unsustainable due to the downturn in the property market, but trade unions insist it is still profitable.