Thirty-five job losses were announced yesterday at an American-owned company based in Co Mayo.
American Power Corporation (APC), which makes uninterrupted power supply units for the computer industry, is looking to reduce its workforce by more than one-third. It intends to achieve this by means of voluntary redundancies. The firm employs 100 in its Castlebar plant.
Two years ago, APC consolidated its Irish operations by moving most of its manufacturing process from Galway city to Castlebar.
Mayor of Castlebar Eugene McCormack said he was very concerned by the move and added that he is worried there could be further redundancies. "In the light of the company's previous consolidation, it would seem to me that the company's future in Castlebar is very shaky to say the least," he said.
Meanwhile, there was relief in nearby Belmullet after news emerged that 140 full- and part- time jobs under threat will now be saved.
Workers at ICT Europe were given the reprieve following speculation that the company was planning to move to a lower-cost economy.
Despite reports that ICT Europe had decided on the move, it emerged on Monday that workers at the Co Mayo customer service operation would retain their jobs. However, up to 50 employees will move to a four-day week as part of a cost-cutting plan.
ICT executives, including senior vice-president Jan Jones, met staff on Monday evening to deliver the news.
ICT, which is the town's largest employer, verifies the digital recordings of all sales transactions made at the company's European and US centres.
The firm, which also has operations in Athlone and Dublin, has received support from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Senior manager Carwyn Jones assured workers there was no question of a closure or job losses and said the company was in an exceptionally strong position financially.
Fine Gael TD and party spokesman on community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs, Michael Ring, said: "The announcement is great news for the staff. It was a very worrying time."