SIPTU to meet with Cardinal Health over shock Tullamore closure announcement

The trade union SIPTU said its representatives will begin negotiations with the management of Cardinal Health following the shock announcement today (Thursday) of the planned closure of the company's manufacturing plant in Sragh Industrial Estate, Tullamore.

SIPTU Organiser, Ashling Dunne said today's news that the company plans to leave Tullamore by March of 2026 will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs, with 280 of these workers SIPTU members.

"The plant was a major employer in Tullamore and the surrounding area for more than four decades, this closure will have a devastating impact on our members, their families, the wider community and the local economy.

"The workers have provided loyal and dedicated service to their employer for many decades and have been left deeply upset at the decision to close the plant."

She added: "We will meet with management under the statutory 30-day collective redundancy consultation period to explore all alternative options that could reduce the impact of these job losses."

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere said: "Following the announcement that the site will be decommissioned, the IDA must secure a buyer for the premises to provide sustainable employment for Tullamore and the surrounding area.

"SIPTU will work tirelessly on behalf of our members to reduce the impact of the redundancies and engage with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and the IDA regarding this devastating development."

The Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, for the trade union, Neil McGowan, said: "This news comes soon after the announcement of the proposed closure of the Becton Dickenson plant in County Louth.

"There is a worrying trend of closures in the medical devices manufacturing sector that is resulting in hundreds of job losses. These jobs were until recently considered very secure and good employment.

"The Government must immediately focus on ensuring that this decline in a key part of the economy is halted," he concluded.