Statement By An Taoiseach Following Dell’s Decision to Relocate 1,900 Jobs from Limerick.
The announcement by Dell this morning to their workforce that they plan to relocate 1,900 jobs from Limerick to Poland is a major blow to the city and the mid-West region. It also has a wider multiplier affect.
Dell Corporation has been the biggest employer in the region. It is important to say that Dell will remain a very significant employer in the region and nationally, including through the retention of 1,100 jobs at the plant in Limerick. Their major contribution to the local economy in the mid-West over many years has been particularly important.
There is no gainsaying that this decision represents a major loss to the region. I am particularly conscious of what this means to the workers whose jobs will go between April and January next and to their families.
It is important that we now mobilise all our resources to meet this major challenge for the region. The Government Task Force being appointed by the Tánaiste will consist of representatives of central Government and the relevant StaTe agencies at senior level and will engage with the workers and all relevant local interests to give every support and assistance to those who are losing their jobs and to promote economic activity and development in the region. This will be in addition to the over 800 jobs which are scheduled to be created by companies like Vistakon, Zimmer, Cook, and Microsemi in new projects which have already been announced for the region.
While this is a major blow, on what is a very difficult day for Limerick, and the mid-west, the extent of the contribution made by Dell Corporation over the years and of the personal commitment to Ireland by Michael Dell, reflected in the growth of employment from 200 in 1990 to over 3,000 employees now is appreciated. The Government will continue to work with Dell to identify further development opportunities which may arise as the company continues to develop the new business model which is responding to the global business environment.
8th January 2009.
ENDS