SIPTU will enter a process of consultation with management at C&C after 144 job losses were announced yesterday.

The drinks company is cutting costs in Ireland and the UK.

126 positions will be lost at Borrisoleigh in Co Tipperary with additional job losses in Portlaoise and New Ross.

Wexford County Councillor Michael Sheehan, says the community of New Ross is worried about the future of up to 20 workers:

"There is widespread concern amongst the New Ross area, because if the reports that we heard yesterday are true up to 20 people could lose their jobs. That is a devastating blow to New Ross and a devastating blow to the economy of the South East. What I am looking for is a task force for the South East, and especially for Co Wexford. We are suffering from long-term unemployment and we are lagging behind the rest of the country."