Almost 200 textile workers are to lose their jobs in Kerry and Cork as the global downturn continues to hit the Irish economy.
Youghal Carpets today announced it is re-structure its operations in Cork with the loss of 104 positions. The company, which employs 260 people, said the redundancies would apply to all sections of the plant.
The company said: "The recent tragic events in the USA and other negative developments within the UK carpet industry have greatly curtailed orders received."
It said: "High staff turnover has also been a major contributory factor, which has further compounded the problems."
Youghal Carpets said it deeply regretted having to make the redundancies but that the company had taken the decision to enable a return to profitability and in doing so to safeguard the maximum number of jobs possible.
Meanwhile Sara Lee confirmed today it is to shed 84 jobs from its plant in Killarney. The company - which makes underwear - cited a downturn in European sales as the main reason for the layoffs. Sara Lee employs 278 people at the plant.
