ALMOST 200 workers at the UTC Fire and Security plant in Citywest, Dublin, are likely to lose their jobs. This follows a decision by the company to shift its manufacturing operations to alternative sites around the world.

Employees were told at the firm, which owns the well-known Chubb brand, that a period of consultation would begin this week as the company decided whether to downsize or to close its operation.

UTC Fire and Security provide fire safety and security technologies to global customers.

Labour TD Pat Rabbitte said the job losses were a massive blow to the workers and to the local economy in the Tallaght area.

“This area has lost many jobs in recent years in the construction, retail and manufacturing sectors, and these job losses are the last thing that local communities need.

“Already the unemployment rate in Tallaght is at crisis level and joblessness among young people is spiralling out of control.

“Losses of this scale in this sector would indicate that the Government strategy of developing and supporting employment is now in disarray,” Mr Rabbitte added.