Almost 100 jobs are to be axed with the closure of Tayto crisps factory in north Dublin, it emerged today.
The closure of the Coolock plant is part of a drive to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiencies in a bid to keep the company's position in the market.
Parent company C&C Group revealed 98 jobs were being cut from the firm's snack division.
Maurice Pratt, C&C group chief executive, blamed increased competition and poor growth in the market for the losses.
“C&C is committed to pursuing efficiency improvements in each of its operating divisions,” Mr Pratt said.
“The difficult decision to close the crisps facility follows a review of the required level of capital investment at the facility, the availability of alternative manufacturing suppliers and an increasingly competitive environment.
“We would like to record our appreciation for the commitment and loyalty of the affected workforce over many years.”
A total of 166 jobs in Tayto are to remain across the country in several departments including new product development, sales, marketing and quality control
The restructuring plan will cost the company around €10 million. A company spokesman said generous redundancy packages would be put in place for workers.