An electronics company in the Donegal Gaelteacht is to close with the loss of 30 jobs, it was announced today.
The decision by Nuvotem Industry to close its plant in Crolly west Donegal brings to an end eight months of uncertainty since the workers were temporarily laid off in September.
The company which manufactures transformers began its Donegal operations in 1980 and was the main employer in the village of Crolly.
Donegal South-West Fine Gael TD, Dinny McGinley, said that the announcement marks not only a sad day for all those losing their jobs, but it also brings to an end a glorious history of over 100 years of employment at the factory in Crolly.
The Crolly factory was established by the Congested Districts Board at the end of the 19th Century and since then it has provided continuous employment for local people.
The handsome cut stone building is one of the most famous landmarks in West Donegal.
Mr McGinley called on the company to show generosity to its workers, some of whom have been with them for a quarter of a century.
" The newly elected Board of Údaras na Gaeltachta and the Department of the Gaeltacht must give top priority to providing alternative employment for those who have been made redundant, many of them the sole breadwinners in their families," he added.
The firm has been experiencing increased pressures in recent years due to competition from low cost economies, and the announcement was not unexpected.