The south-east suffered a major jobs setback today with the closure of the Wexal auto parts factory in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
The company blamed increasing competition from lower-cost countries for the loss of 150 jobs at the plant.
Wexal is one of the largest employers in Enniscorthy and has been in Co Wexford for nearly 25 years.
Workers were told the news this afternoon and that the factory will close at the end of July.