SuperValu is to close two of its stores in Clonmel and Carlow with the loss of 98 jobs.

The company says its remaining shops in both towns will remain open.

Musgraves says it's taken the decision to shut down both outlets due to market issues with the shops.

The Mandate trade union which represents workers at the retailer say its members are devastated with the news particularly given the fact that it's been announced so close to Christmas.

Bill Kelly, Mandate Divisional Organiser for the Clonmel store said: “These closures are down to the lack of investment and a continued lack of disposable income for workers and unemployed people in the local areas. The outcome, of course, will be that the whole region will suffer further as a result.”

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director at SuperValu, expressed his regret that the stores are to be closed.

"It is not a decision we have taken lightly," he said, "but the stores have been loss making for almost a decade now and they do not have a sustainable future

"We will now enter a consultation period with colleagues and provide out-placement support to assist them in finding alternative employment."