There was dismay at yesterday's announcement of the loss of 245 jobs from Naas manufacturing company Magna Donnelly Electronics.
The company, which is one of the largest suppliers of mirrors to the European motor industry, is restructuring operations at its Co Kildare facility due to increasing pressure from lower-cost countries and from the euro/US dollar exchange rate.
It intends to transfer part of its operation to facilities in north America and Spain.
Workers were informed at lunchtime that the company would immediately begin a consultation process seeking 245 voluntary redundancies from its 480 staff.
Shane Caher, general manager of Magna Donnelly (Ireland), said: "We deeply regret that jobs will be lost as a result of this restructuring."
He said Magna Donnelly has had a presence in Naas since 1968, and its commitment to the area remained undiminished, as seen by the €4 million investment also announced yesterday.
"Naas will become a centre of excellence for the production of higher-value products which will help secure the employment of our remaining 235 employees, and will ensure that Naas continues to be a key facility within Magna Donnelly Corporation."
Newbridge Siptu branch secretary Seamus Buggle said the union would be meeting management on Monday to discuss the matter. He did not want to make any comments that would influence the outcome of the meeting.
Naas Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Aideen O'Brien said it was a sad day for Naas.
"Its obviously very disappointing and shocking that so many jobs are going from a thriving town like Naas."
North Kildare TD Bernard Durkan said it was grave news for the manufacturing industry in Ireland. He said the commitment of the Government to the so-called high-wage economy needed to be seriously questioned in view of recent job losses.
Eira Goran has worked at Magma Donnelly for six years, and is the shop steward. She said the staff had been aware there was a feasibility study taking place over the past year, but there was no indication there would be such huge job losses.