Despite job losses, midlands 'still central to Ericsson plans', says local minister

Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has described the job losses announced at Ericsson in Athlone this week as "deeply regrettable" but said the company remained committed to its base in the town.

The local minister issued a statement last night (Wednesday) in which he reaffirmed the long-term importance of Athlone as a strategic centre for Ericsson’s global operations.

It emerged yesterday that Ericsson was commencing a voluntary redundancy programme affecting up to 29 of the 1,350 jobs at its Cornamaddy, Athlone, premises.

"While any proposed redundancies are deeply regrettable and understandably difficult for those impacted and their families, Ericsson has made clear that Athlone remains central to its future plans, with a record €200 million investment under way in research and development at the company’s campus,” said Minister Moran.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the affected staff were treated with fairness, dignity and support during the planned transition, and noted that the redundancies being sought were voluntary.

"My focus is on ensuring that Athlone continues to grow as a hub for high-value employment, skills development and innovation," said 'Boxer'.

"The scale of Ericsson’s long-term commitment here sends a very strong and positive signal for the town, the midlands and Ireland as a whole."

He added that he would "continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that Athlone's position as a leading technology centre is strengthened well into the future."