Wyeth closure is ‘hammer blow’ for Limerick

THE DEVASTATING redundancies announced at baby formula producer Wyeth in Limerick have been described as a “hammer blow” which could result in “several thousand” more job losses in the region.

People in Askeaton and its surrounds have been left reeling after the news which was announced without warning by the firm’s parent company, Nestlé.

In total, 542 people are at risk of losing their jobs at the vast Wyeth plant as it winds down its operation between now and 2026.

It amounts to the largest single loss of jobs in Limerick since Dell announced 1,900 cuts in 2009.

Given the reliance on Wyeth by the wider community, the impact will be felt beyond those who work in the factory.

“It’s a hammer blow. There’s no other words for it. It’s a dark, dark day for the town,” said Josh Sheahan, who runs Top of the Town bar in Askeaton.

He admits there are “serious concerns” for the future.

“I don’t think people realise the spin-off which comes from Wyeth. From everyone - the printers who do the signage, hauliers, scaffolders, literally everything. It goes right across the board,” he added, predicting 1,500 more jobs could be impacted locally.

Councillor Adam Teskey, the leader of the local authority district which Askeaton is located in, said: “This could result in several thousand jobs being lost in the region.”

The Fine Gael councillor warned against past mistakes being repeated in west Limerick, referencing the closure of its sugar and chicken industries.

Siptu continued talks with management at Wyeth on Tuesday afternoon, with union official Ciara McMahon-Flavin insisting its prime target is retaining as many jobs as possible.

Chamber boss Dee Ryan has called on IDA Ireland to step up its efforts to find an occupier for the Wyeth plant if it closes.

She’s written to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, and he is set to visit Askeaton this week.

Councillor Teskey believes there is a future for the plant, given the demand he feels there is for formula milk in the developing world.