The county manager for Tipperary South Riding, Mr Edward Gleeson, is to chair the Clonmel Task Force established by the Tanaiste to minimise the impact of the Seagate closure.
Ms Harney, who is also Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has asked the employees to select a representative. The group will seek to bring new industries to the area, including businesses that could use the Seagate premises and workforce. It will also help local suppliers and subcontractors facing loss of business. Seagate employees will be given help with retraining and jobsearch programmes, and advice on career change and how to set up their own businesses.
Members of the task force will include: Ms Carrie Acheson, director of the Barlo group of companies in Clonmel; Mr Declan Buckley, director of operations at Merck Sharp and Dohme; Mr Des Delahunty, president of Clonmel Chamber of Commerce; SIPTU branch secretary, Mr Nicholas Parker; FAS regional director, Ms Mary Dorgan; Forbairt regional director, Mr Colm Hackett; IDA regional director, Mr Paddy Gallagher; the managing director of Showerings Ltd, Mr Brendan McGuinness; and the head of development at TRBDI, Mr John T. Slattery.