Concerns over jobs at Tullamore facility
There are fears over hundreds of jobs at a major Tullamore employer today (Thursday).
Staff at Cardinal Health, in the Tullamore Business & Technology Park at the Sragh Industrial Estate, are being called to a meeting this morning.
The company, which operates in the pharmaceutical sector, is understood to employ in excess of 300 staff in the Offaly plant.
Cardinal Health sent staff members rostered for later work home yesterday afternoon, to allow all staff attend the meeting this morning.
The company has been contacted for comment by the Offaly Independent, but at the time of writing we have not yet received a response.
Offaly TD Carol Nolan this morning described the potential job losses as being "akin to a body blow for the town of Tullamore".
She said she had made "urgent representations" to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, about the situation.
"My heart goes out to the workers and their families at what must be a truly unnerving time," said Deputy Nolan.
"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," Deputy Nolan stated.
Local councillor Tony McCormack said in a Facebook post last night: "Sad news emanating from Cardinal Health this evening. Won’t know the full details until after meeting between employees and management tomorrow at 10am.
"My thoughts are with the employees and their families this evening as they ponder what news that meeting brings.
"I will contact the Tainaiste Michael Martin and Minister for Jobs Peter Burke to ensure that should there be job losses that the employees get properly looked after.
"This plant has been owned by different medical device companies since it opened its doors in 1984. It is a great contributor to the local economy. Let’s hope for the best and prepare for the worst and wait to see what tomorrow’s meeting brings."
Cardinal Health took over the facility in 2017, from Medtronic.
It had previously operated as Covidien and as part of the Tyco Healthcare Group.
The facility was originally operated by Sherwood Medical.