Feighan calls on Minister to concentrate on job creation in Carrick-on-Shannon following MBNA closure

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/Galway, Frank Feighan, has today (Thursday) called on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, to consult with Enterprise Ireland and other stakeholders following the closure of the MBNA call centre in Carrick-on-Shannon.

“It is very regrettable that MBNA has made the decision to close the call centre in Carrick-on-Shannon and to base their service from the UK. This is a huge blow to the 160 people affected.

“I have been in contact with the Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton and I have appealed to him to consult with Enterprise Ireland and other stakeholders to consider the options for those who have lost their jobs.

“He has assured me that the Enterprise Agencies will redouble their efforts to drive job creation in the area. The people who lost their jobs today are skilled workers who have a lot to contribute. We want these people to be able to get new jobs in the locality

“The Minister has informed me that a coordinated response to the closure will see resources from Enterprise Ireland, the IDA the Local Enterprise Office, Department of Social Protection, Solas, Chambers and the Department of Education & Skills directed towards helping those affected.

“The original MBNA operation in Carrick-on-Shannon, which was sold to Advent/Apollo in 2012, continues to operate well and still provides 250 jobs.

“On a national level, the Action Plan for Jobs is working and more people are getting back to work. The news of job losses in Carrick-on-Shannon is a major blow and the Government is determined to ensure that employment growth takes place in all regions of the country.

“Carrick-on-Shannon is a great place to do business and I am committed to working, with my Government colleagues, towards creating new job opportunities for the people of the area.”