Cappoquin Chickens to close within weeks

There was a further jobs blow for Co Waterford this afternoon with the news that Cappoquin Chickens is to close within the next six weeks.

The company, which is one of Ireland's largest poultry producers, employs 250 people and has been operating for nearly 50 years.

Last month, the company announced it was going into liquidation with the loss of €7m.

Talks to save the firm broke down yesterday after a buyer could not be found.

Sinn Féin Waterford Councillor David Cullinane has described the announcement as “a massive blow to West Waterford and East Cork and yet another example of the Government’s inability to innovatively tackle job losses particularly in regions outside of Dublin.

Cullinane added that the “impact of this closure cannot be understated with far reaching consequences for the West Waterford area.”