SOME 350 jobs at the Youghal Carpets plant near Cork were in jeopardy last night following a decision by the US owners, Carpets International, to sell its woollen carpet division.

Management at the Kilacloyne plant, on the eastern outskirts of Cork city, briefed workers and unions yesterday informing them of the decision which will affect two other plants in Britain.

It is understood that Carpets International has given an undertaking to IDA Ireland in Cork that the plant will not be wound down for some months - possibly six months - and that every effort will be made to co-operate with local agencies to try to find an alternative purchaser for the plant, which has had a troubled history.

It is also understood that a management buy-out is being discussed but negotiations on this are only at an initial stage.