A CLOTHING factory in Roscommon, Chixwear, has announced it will close on November 8th, with the loss of 42 jobs.

Although Dunnes Stores was the company's major customer, the Dunnes Stores strike was not the reason for the company's closure, according to the company.

"The management would like to thank their staff, suppliers and customers, particularly Dunnes Stores, for their support over the past 26 years," the company said in a statement.

"It is with deep regret that this decision has been taken.

"The company blames a range of problems besetting the clothing industry at the moment, all of which have been well documented; relatively high labour costs; difficulty in recruiting staff, and increased competition."

Chixwear was set up by Ms Peggy Farrell. Ms Farrell was appointed to the senate by the former Taoiseach, Mr Jack Lynch, in 1977, and served for a term. She is also a former president of the Irish Countrywrnan's Association.