Negotiations will begin with trade unions later today to see if a future can be secured for the Lufthansa plant in Rathcoole in Dublin.

400 jobs are in doubt after the aviation company announced on Friday that itÂ’s likely to close its plant in west Dublin.

In a statement the firm says itÂ’s considering closure and has started talks with workers. However unions feel the shut down will go ahead in the New Year.

SIPTU Organiser Karl Byrne says they want to find out if the company will consider proposals to keep the plant open and save jobs.

The company specialised in overhauling jet engines and has been in Ireland for 33 years.

Arthur Hall from the TEEU believes the company has already made up it's mind to shut down, calling it "the worst Christmas present ever".

Pictured above: (LtoR) Willie Quigley, Regional Officer for Unite, Dave Patterson, Shop Steward fror TEEU, Arthur Hall, Acting General-Secretary, TEEU & Darek Beegan, Shop Steward, TEEU