Regional Authority calls for urgent intervention in the South-East Region as a Receiver is appointed to Waterford Wedgewood
The Regional Authority Cathaoirleach said that any job losses at Waterford Wedgwood will have a severe impact on the South-East which has not yet come to terms with other recent redundancies, such as those at Waterford Crystal (520), Honeywell Turbo Technologies, Waterford (150), Snowcream, Waterford (50), Pall Ireland in Tipperary Town (150), Wexford Electronix Ltd. (over 300), Tex Tech Industries (Ireland) Ltd. (70) and Comerama Textile Mills (160) in Kilkenny , Braun Ireland in Carlow (225) and Carlow Sugar Beet Factory (139).
“The South-East Region’s employment situation is worsening at an alarming rate with the most recent unemployment rate standing at 7.7%, above the national rate of 7%”, stated Cllr. Fitzgerald. “This region is not getting the attention it deserves from government and the industrial development agencies and I am calling for the South-East to be prioritised for urgent investment and job creation”, he said.
The Regional Authority has been to the forefront in identifying and articulating the deficiencies, development needs and investment priorities of the region. The Authority has for a long time held the view that there is a widespread misconception that the South-East Region is a wealthy region that is performing well, but a range of socio-economic indicators paint a very different picture. The Authority has been working with the various public and private sector bodies in the region to develop and implement strategies, including a Regional Employment Development Strategy, to address the region’s socio-economic problems. Cllr. Fitzgerald commented that he empathised with the people employed in Waterford Wedgewood, many of whom have been working in the Waterford factory for several decades. “The Regional Authority demands that the government fulfils a key objective of the National Development Plan to deliver balanced regional development and in doing so to ensure that the South-East receives its fair share of national investment”, he said. He added that all the enterprise promotion and support agencies should be directed by government to make the South-East Region their top priority.
“I appreciate that the announcement comes at a time of global economic downturn but I sincerely hope that a buyer for the business as a ‘going concern’ can be secured. Waterford Crystal is one of the South-East’s flagship enterprises that is not only a major employer but is also one of the region’s key tourism attractions through its Visitor Centre. Every effort must be made to ensure that Waterford Crystal, its employees and the world-renowned brand that is Waterford are safeguarded”, Cllr. Fitzgerald stated.
Further information from:
- Cllr. Michael Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach, South-East Regional Authority - 052-26200 or 087-2292126
- Mr. Thomas Byrne, Director, South-East Regional Authority (052) 26200
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:42 GMT
