Staff at Roche in Clarecastle breathed a sigh of relief today after escaping a major jobs cull by the pharmaceutical giant
As part of an overhaul of its research activities, Roche is set to close a plant in the US, cut its workforce by a thousand, while its head of drug research is set to be replaced
However, a company spokesperson has confirmed to Clare FM that the near 400 workers in Clarecastle and the manufacturing plant itself will be unaffected
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke got some local political, business and community reaction
He spoke with Deputy Joe Carey from Clarecastle who expressed his delight that the plant was safe
The Labour Party’s Michael McNamara also welcomed the news
Trisha Ward of Wards Shop said they are delighted with the news – both for their customers and themselves
Joe Deasy, the owner of Centra in Clarecastle welcomed the news – the prospect of job losses had been a major talking point in the village in the past few weeks
Local Councillor Paul Murphy said the news comes as a huge relief to the entire village.
The new Mayor of Shannon says the Town Council will do anything it can to assist in the development of an independent Shannon Airport
Councillor Mike Fleming was presented with the mayoral chains at last night’s AGM of Shannon Town Council
Councillor Fleming was elected to the Council for the first time in 2009, and this is the first time to be elected mayor
He’ll be assisted in the role by newly elected Deputy Mayor Councillor Patricia McCarthy
Speaking in the aftermath of last night’s meeting, Councillor Fleming offered his support to any efforts in the formation of an independent Shannon Airport- he spoke to us about his aims for his term as Mayor.
This year’s Merriman Summer School takes places from August 15th to 19th in Lisdoonvarna, and continuing its long history of thought provoking discussion and debate – this year the school will focus on the theme of Thriving at the Crossroads: Rural Ireland in a Globalised World – with speakers including Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on the list
This year’s director is Bob Collins – the Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and former Director General of RTE
John spoke with Bob about the Merriman Summer School and how the media represents rural Ireland.
Clare FM Reporter Gavin Grace joined us live from Clarecastle with more local reaction to the great news that jobs at the Roche plant are safe.
Anne Marie O’Reilly of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service was in studio to answer listeners’ social welfare, employment and consumer law queries.
This week on Morning Focus courtesy of the Mallow Home and Garden Festival which takes place at Cork Racecourse, Mallow this Friday, Saturday and Sunday we have an end of week prize of two nights B & B for two people at the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar
Get in touch with the Morning Focus team by emailing Focus@clare.fm
