O'Keeffe asks IDA to seek buyer for Pfizer plants

The Minister for Enterprise Batt O'Keeffe has asked IDA Ireland to look for companies interested in taking over three Pfizer plants earmarked for closure.

The pharmaceutical firm yesterday announced plans to close plants in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin and in Loughbeg and Shanbally in Cork. It also said it would be scaling back operations in Kildare.

A total of 785 jobs are likely to be cut at the company over the next four years.

Siptu spokesman in the Dun Laoghaire plant Eoin Reidy said Pfizer had been a good employer over the years and that the union wanted to work with company management to secure the future for remaining workers.