Johnston Press job losses devastating to Kilkenny
Issued: 11 Meán Fómha 2009
Statement by Malcolm Noonan
Cessation of printing breaks a 100 year tradition says Mayor
Green Party Kilkenny Mayor Malcolm Noonan has described the loss of 46 full and part time jobs at the Johnston Press in Kilkenny City as devastating to the local economy and the community. He said the cessation of printing of the flagship title of the ‘Kilkenny People’ in Kilkenny breaks a 100 year tradition and displays a lack of commitment to Kilkenny.
“My first thoughts are with the workers and their families,” said Mayor Noonan. “While speculation as to the future of the print works at Purcellsinch has been ongoing for some time now, nothing can prepare employees for a day like this. The closure also represents the loss of a skills base in printing that stretches back generations.”
Mayor Noonan said that the economic downturn had affected advertising revenue and the print media has been hit particularly hard. However he stated that it was difficult for a conglomerate like Johnston to have any empathy for the local community in Kilkenny as their main commitment is to their shareholders.
Commenting on the closure, Green Party Deputy Leader and local TD Mary White said the loss follows the tremendous highs of the four-in-a-row victory from Kilkenny hurlers last weekend. “I will liaise with the Tanaiste concerning these job losses and as Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesperson I will do all in my power to support the workers in finding new employment opportunities,” she said.