MOTOROLA is likely to announce a 300 job expansion at its plant in Cork city. Negotiations between the company and the IDA are nearing completion, with confirmation of the expansion in the company's software division expected in January.
Meanwhile, a spokesman confirmed that the IDA hopes to secure a "considerable number" of the 300 jobs at risk in the Youghal Carpets company. Workers at the plant near Carrigtwohill have been facing an uncertain future since the announcement two weeks ago by its parent firm, Carpets International UK, that it is getting out of carpet making.
But the IDA spokesman said negotiations with two potential buyers an Irish company and a foreign firm were ongoing and encouraging.
"We've always maintained that Youghal Carpets is a business to be saved. We're in discussions with two interested parties and we're quite optimistic about its future," he said.
Although he was reluctant to be drawn on the number of jobs which might be saved, the IDA spokesman pointed out that Carpets International UK has given its Co Cork plant six months to find a buyer.
"We would certainly expect to have the present uncertainty surrounding the plant's future resolved by the end of the first quarter next year," he said.
Yesterday's employment boost follows a weekend in which 160 people in Cork lost their jobs. Over 100 workers were let go when Irish Crown Cork closed in the city, while people 50 lost their jobs at UR OK Textiles in Bandon.