American-owned company Sportsocks Ireland Ltd has announced it is closing its manufacturing plant in Co Kerry with the loss of 147 jobs.
The company's plant in Cahirciveen is due to close at the end of September and the remaining 21 staff and those working at the company's plant in Tralee are to be put on protective notice.
Expressing her disappointment at the closure, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Ms Harney, extended her sympathy with the workforce and their families.
She said: "every effort was made to save the jobs. The company had been in negotiations about a takeover but unfortunately this did not materialise.".The Tánaiste said: "Clearly finding alternative employment for these workers is a priority. The full resources of the State Agencies will be available to assist the workforce in finding and adapting to existing and future job opportunities".