22 Samhain 2001

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Ferris calls for urgent action following job losses

Following the announcement by management at `Sara Lee' in Killarney that the factory is to close, Cllr. Martin Ferris has once again highlighted the need for urgent action to address the current unemployment crisis in Kerry.  The closure of `Sara Lee' brings to 700 the number of job losses this week alone. Cllr. Ferris has said the responsibility now lies with the government to implement a radical strategy that will reverse the recent trend of closures and cutbacks.

Cllr. Ferris said:

``In the past few weeks, we have had the closure of two major industries in Tralee and Killarney, Tralee Beef and Lamb and Sara Lee respectively.

There are been 700 jobs lost in the state this week alone. These happened at probably the worst time of the year, in the run up to Christmas. The closure of Sara Lee is another nail in the coffin of industry in Kerry and I am now calling on all public representatives to use their influence to ensure that the trend of factory closures and spiralling unemployment is reversed. At this time, we all need to work collectively to ensure that the livelihoods of all our people are protected. Let us not fail them in this respect.

``The government has a specific responsibility. Small businesses and industries will be the backbone of any economic upturn. They must receive government assistance. So too must the communities that have suffered as a result of the latest job losses. It is time for a real strategy to be introduced.''

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