The Gallaher Group is to close its Dublin cigarette factory with the loss of 121 jobs. The decision was taken by the company as part of a restructuring of its European operations which will see 430 jobs going across the group's European operations.
As part of this restructuring 175 jobs will also be cut from its factory in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
Cigarette production will be moved from its Dublin plant to Ballymena. The company said its decision was not due to a downturn in demand for tobacco products but as part of a reorganisation in its European operations.
Employees were briefed by management today on the decision. Following today's decision, Gallaher will still employ 105 people in Ireland.
SIPTU Branch Secretary Anne Speed said the union at the company was appalled at the lack of consulation with staff representatives about the decision.
Gallaher intend to close the plant down over the next seven months. The main brand manufactured in Dublin was Benson and Hedges.
The firm will retain a small warehouse operation in the Republic.
* 50 people are to lose their jobs at the Loretta Bloom clothing manufacturer based in Limerick city. The company has announced that it will cease trading at the end of the year.
The company has blamed a combination of high costs and a downturn in trade for its decision to close after being in business for the past 21 years. The company manufactured clothes for the ladies retail fashion sector.
