Independent News and Media is to close its printing operation in Belfast with the loss of up to 89 jobs.

The company however insists that it remains committed to its publishing business there - whose titles include the Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life and Sunday World.

The closure "reflects the wider global trend in declining newspaper circulations, and the rise of news consumption via digital channels," the company said.

In a statement this evening the company said:

"The continuing decline in print volumes, together with the ending of a key contract with a UK publisher in Belfast combines to make the plant unviable (sic). This unfortunately necessitates its closure, with the potential loss of up to 89 jobs.  The company appreciates the difficult situation this causes for employees and will begin a period of consultation with the workforce and their trade union representatives."

The Belfast outlet currently prints the Irish editions of several newspapers.

INM says it will now begin a period of consultation with staff and their trade union representatives.