Political and community leaders in Co Roscommon have expressed dismay at the decision of Dawn Meats to close its plant in Ballaghaderreen and transfer its operations there to its sister plant in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, 15 miles away.
The Mayor of Roscommon, Independent councillor John Kelly, said yesterday he believed only a fraction of the 240 workers who would lose their jobs in Ballaghaderreen would be offered employment in Ballyhaunis.
According to Mr Kelly, most of the workforce are foreign nationals, and they are "absolutely devastated" by the announcement.
"The loss of income to Ballaghaderreen will be sorely felt, especially in the accommodation and retail sector."
He added that having spoken to workers he believed just 40 of the 240 Ballaghaderreen employees would be relocated to Ballyhaunis.
Last Friday Dawn Meats announced the closure of the Ballaghaderreen plant. The Ballyhaunis plant is to be upgraded at a cost of €15 million.
Dawn Meats says 350 of the 430 full and part-time employees at both sites will be retained.