*Cllr Tony O’Brien. Photograph: Martin Connolly

Older employees at Molex may not reap as many benefits as their younger colleagues in the skills audit that is to be carried out among its Shannon workforce, an East Clare councillor has warned.

Speaking at Friday’s special meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) responded to Junior Minister Pat Breen’s (FG) comments that there was no jobs crisis despite looming losses at Molex, Avara, Roche and Moneypoint by issuing a word of caution.

O’Brien admitted that he appreciated the need to send out positive messages about the county for potential investors but was worried regarding the older workers at Molex. “In all the hope and optimism I want to say a word of caution, Minister Breen is in charge at cabinet butnobody has mentioned the vintage of people like myself who are untrainable and may not be able to get new skills”.

“I would like some assurances for workers in these factories. Many of them have given a lifetime of service, I don’t think they deserve to be left behind,” the Killaloe representative added.

Cllr Roisin Garvey (GP) disagreed with the views of Cllr O’Brien and felt the audit could be enhanced by bringing in organisations such as Clare Local Development Company or LEADER to put together courses based on the needs outlined in the skills audit. “My father learned to make jam at 75, if people want to adjust and learn they can”.

Related News

ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Clare man who coercively controlled wife faces 'significant custodial sentence'
lahinch promenade car park 21-08-23 4
'Dog SWAT team' needed to clamp down on disgusting behaviour on Clare beaches
TMP_8668
'We Are Human Too' launch hears calls to end shocking discrimination towards persons with disabilities
david griffin
Council not delivering on the 'bread & butter issues' - Griffin
Latest News
avenue utd v tulla utd 10-04-24 éanna culloo cullen mccabe 1
All too easy as Avenue advance past Tulla to Clare Cup quarter-finals
lahinch promenade car park 21-08-23 4
'Dog SWAT team' needed to clamp down on disgusting behaviour on Clare beaches
banner ladies v west clare gaels 14-10-23 louise henchy 1
Clare trio play their part in Masters victories
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 cian galvin peter duggan david reidy 1
Player Ratings: Clare vs Kilkenny
TMP_8668
'We Are Human Too' launch hears calls to end shocking discrimination towards persons with disabilities
Premium
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 cian galvin peter duggan david reidy 1
Player Ratings: Clare vs Kilkenny
TMP_8668
'We Are Human Too' launch hears calls to end shocking discrimination towards persons with disabilities
agriculture hay bales farm 1
Acres Scheme has let down farmers in North Clare
newmarket celtic 1
Newmarket Celtic carve out more history by claiming Munster Champions Cup
clare v kilkenny 10-03-24 brian lohan 1
Limerick still 'head and shoulders' above the rest - Lohan

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top