Workers at Ruibear Motair Teoranta in Gweedore have been told that the factory is closing, with immediate effect. The automotive components factory in County Donegal was officially opened in 1991 by the then Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, with the promise of 350 jobs.
But in 1998, with just over 200 employees, it announced restructuring involving 100 job losses. Since then it has struggled, and today the remaining 100 workers were told the factory was closing.
Dinny McGinley, Fine Gael TD for Donegal North West, has described the announcement as a 'savage body blow' to the area. "North West Donegal is rapidly becoming a barren industrial and unemployment zone under the ineffective policies of this outgoing Government," said Deputy McGinley. He called on Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Department of the Gaeltacht to do everything to try and save the company.
