It has been confirmed that the Grafton Group is to make 23 workers redundant at its hardware and DIY stores around the country.
The redundancies are being made at the Chadwicks stores, owned and operated by Grafton.
Unions have been meeting with management throughout the day to discuss severance packages with the workers.
In a separate development Utah Medical, which employs more than 30 workers at a medical devices plant in Athlone, Co Westmeath, has said it has requested employees from its production department who may be interested in a voluntary redundancy option to come forward.
UTAH says no decision has been made on the number of voluntary redundancies that may be considered and the firm remains strong and viable.
Meanwhile, Thermo King in Galway has informed unions and staff that their production operation will operate on a three-day week during January.
The company, a subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand, which manufactures transport temperature control systems, said the measure is being taken due to a temporary reduction in demand.
Last week the company announced that it was laying off 110 of its 520 workers.
A spokesman refused to specify how many workers would be affected.
