O’Dea denies reports of imminent Dell closure

Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has denied being informed by Dell executives that the computer giant plans to end its Irish operations early next year.

Reports yesterday claimed the US firm had privately told Mr O'Dea and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan that it planned to wind down the operation in January.

However, the Limerick TD is insisting that the report was untrue and "grossly irresponsible".

There has been widespread speculation about the closure of Dell's Raheen facility in recent weeks, leaving 3,000 workers in Limerick concerned about their future.