Bishop Fintan Monahan calls for prayers for Molex staff and their families
Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, released the following statement in response to the news of the closure of the Irish subsidiary of US multinational company Molex and the loss of 500 jobs:
“Like many others I heard with concern the news of the phased closure of the Irish subsidiary of Molex. The loss of 500 jobs is a devastating blow to employees in the Shannon region, their families and to the local economy. I was there last night and you could sense the cloud hanging over the workers.
“Shannon was created over 50 years ago and is a mixture of people from all over Ireland and many other nationalities. It is true however that Shannon Airport and the surrounding businesses have been struggling a lot in recent years and this has been covered extensively in the news.
“My concern is that we are living in a two-tier Ireland with the regions losing out. While the people of this region have great spirit and resilience, I am asking that special prayers be said at Masses throughout the Diocese of Killaloe this weekend. I ask that prayers be said for the intentions of the employees and for the prospect of future employment.
“I also ask that the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Heather Humphreys, herself a rural TD, local politicians as well as the relevant State agencies, to prioritise our region in terms of sustaining employment opportunities for this skilled workforce.
“This shocking announcement not only directly affects Molex workers but, in addition, it jeopardises thousands of ancillary industries which rely for survival on the pay spend of these local workers.
“I would strongly urge our public representatives to continue to seek a commitment from government to assist these workers by every means possible between now and when the plant closes at the end of 2020.”
ENDS
- Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.
- The Diocese of Killaloe includes portions of Counties Clare, Laois, Limerick, Offaly and Tipperary.