Advertisement

Plans to move 150 eBay jobs out of Dundalk can be averted - TD

TD for Louth Declan Breathnach says there is still time to save 150 jobs at eBay in Dundalk. The ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

08.44 26 Aug 2016


Share this article


Plans to move 150 eBay jobs ou...

Plans to move 150 eBay jobs out of Dundalk can be averted - TD

Newstalk
Newstalk

08.44 26 Aug 2016


Share this article


TD for Louth Declan Breathnach says there is still time to save 150 jobs at eBay in Dundalk.

The company announced yesterday that it is to shut its base there in the second quarter of next year, with the loss of 150 jobs.

eBay says a a full consultation process will start with employees shortly, and that its Blanchardstown facility in Dublin is not affected.

Advertisement

In a statement, the firm said: "Last July, when PayPal separated from eBay Inc, PayPal took over as landlords of the facility here in Dundalk. We currently occupy the building as their tenants."

"PayPal controls who is a tenant of the building, just as with any rental agreement. This includes asking the tenant to leave the facility with a period of notice."

"We have been notified of their intent to occupy the space to support their expansion. As a result, eBay is proposing to close its operations in the PayPal Dundalk facility in the second quarter of 2017," it added

The Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor said she is hopeful staff will be able to get alternative employment.

"I very much regret the decision by eBay that it will cease operating in Dundalk by June next year," Minister O'Connor said.

She says she met with the IDA yesterday afternoon to discuss the announcement.

But Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Declan Breathnach says the loss of eBay from Dundalk can be averted.

He says the issue of space for the two firms is top of the agenda.

"This issue was raised six weeks ago with the minister both in the Dáil in written questions and in topical debate," he told Newstalk Breakfast.

"The question needs to be asked: what effort did the IDA make to identify the suitable sites that are there in Dundalk - or elsewhere - in terms of suggesting that eBay would stay in the area."

"I know for a fact that Senior Vice President Paul Todd of eBay spoke in a teleconference to the workers only three weeks ago, and indicated to the workforce in Dundalk that eBay were very happy there...and wanted to stay in Dundalk."

"They're not planning on leaving until the last quarter - and no stone should be left unturned."


Share this article


Most Popular