Employment minister says 'every effort' will be made to find new jobs after Offaly factory closure

EVERY effort will be made to find employment for those who lose their jobs at Cardinal Health in Tullamore, Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Peter Burke said today.

Minister Burke said Cardinal Health has 315 employees at the Tullamore plant: “My primary concern is for the staff and their families who are now coming to terms with the impact of this announcement. This industry has had a presence in Tullamore for over 40 years, well served by a loyal workforce and with considerable support from the IDA over the years.”

The Westmeath-based Fine Gael TD added: “I have been engaging and will continue to engage with the company. Following this morning’s... meeting with staff, and along with the IDA and my Department we will work with the company management and with staff on current and potential future possibilities. We will make every effort to identify alternative employment opportunities for the staff affected by this announcement.

“As a country we are at full employment, with strong demand for medtech and life sciences skills and we will work to help employees impacted to find alternative employment.”

The Minister went on to point out that there is a “strong cohort” of indigenous firms in the medtech sector which Enterprise Ireland is working with to further develop and expand including attracting experienced staff in the sector.

He said the Local Enterprise Offices will provide advice and training for any employees in the sector who have ambitions to start their own business.

Minister Burke's statement followed a comment from Deputy Carol Nolan, Independent TD for Offaly, saying the “Cardinal Health employment emergency requires immediate intervention”.

Deputy Nolan said she has made urgent representations to the Minister Burke following what she described as “news akin to a body blow for the town of Tullamore.”

“This is devastating news and one that demands all agencies of state to respond as part of a concerted and unified effort to save these jobs,” said Deputy Nolan.

“My heart goes out to the workers and their families at what must be a truly unnerving time.”

The TD added: “Cardinal Health is a major employer. It will be the equivalent in relative terms to Leixlip losing Intel. Needless to say that would be a like a punch to the gut for Tullamore and indeed the Midlands more widely.

“Government needs to take action immediately to try and rescue whatever jobs can be rescued or supported.”

Minister of State Pippa Hackett, Barry Cowen MEP and Cllr Neil Feighery all said they had been in contact with Minister Burke.

Minister Hackett, Offaly-based Green Party senatory, said she was very concerned to learn about the Cardinal Health announcement.

“My thoughts are with staff, their families and the wider community who are impacted,” she said.

“I have spoken with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke this morning, emphasising that it is essential that job losses are replaced as soon as possible.

“He assures me that all relevant agencies are engaged to ensure that employees best interests are protected and to work with the company management and with staff on current and potential future opportunities.

“Workers and their families have set down roots in the Tullamore area, and they significantly enhance the economy, and our community. So, while there may well be a strong cohort of indigenous firms in the MedTech sector, it is imperative that government works to ensure these jobs are replaced in the locality of where they have been lost.”

Mr Cowen, Fianna Fail MEP for Midlands North West, said the closure is a significant blow to the local economy.

“The closure of Cardinal's plant will have a profound impact on our local workforce, many of whom have dedicated years of service to the company. My immediate focus is on the employees and their families who are directly affected by this decision. I have been assured that an adequate redundancy package will be put in place to recognise their commitment and contribution over the years,” said Mr Cowen.

The MEP also highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to address the economic vacuum left by the plant's closure. “I have stressed to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and the Minister of State for Trade Promotion Dara Calleary the need to immediately focus on attracting replacement industry to our area. It is imperative that we act swiftly to mitigate the impact of this closure on our region.”

In addition, he underscored the importance of acquiring new lands to accommodate future enterprises and industrial development to the area. 

”The existing industrial facility in Tullamore, purchased over 40 years ago, has proven to be a cornerstone of our local economy. However, it is now full, and we urgently need to identify and secure new lands for industrial development. I have once again highlighted this need to the IDA and called on them to redouble their efforts in collaboration with Offaly County Council to complete their obligation in acquiring adequately serviced and zoned lands to meet both our current and future needs.”

To ensure that these concerns are addressed with the urgency they demand, Mr Cowen has requested an immediate meeting with Ministers Burke and Calleary. 

”I have asked that Ministers Burke and Calleary arrange to meet with local councillors, the Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant stakeholders as soon as possible. We need to assure our community that work on these critical issues is now a priority.”

The MEP concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the local community: ”The people of Offaly deserve to know that their representatives are working tirelessly to secure the economic future of our area. I will continue to advocate for the necessary resources and work with my colleagues Cllr Declan Harvey and Cllr Tony McCormack to ensure that our community emerges from this challenge stronger and more resilient.”

Cllr Feighery, the Tullamore-based Fine Gael representative, described the Cardinal Health closure, due in 2026, as “a massive blow to the town”.

“I have spoken with a number of workers and their families and my heart goes out to them. Cardinal Health has a long history in Tullamore and has a very good reputation with many people working on the site for decades. There are currently 315 people employed at the facility in Tullamore,” said Cllr Feighery.

“Every effort must be made to ensure that a good package is provided to the staff by the company.”

He said he had spoken to Minister Burke and had been assured that the full range of state supports will be made available to the staff and that he is monitoring the situation closely.

“It is vital that a local response is coordinated also, bringing together the local authority, the LOETB, and business groups and I have contacted the Chief Executive of Offaly County Council about this proposal,” said Cllr Feighery.

“I am also calling on the Government and IDA to ensure that no time is wasted in finding a new employer for this key site in the IDA park.”