Call for more investment in Connemara as 55 redundancies announced

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Connemara area councillor says more investment in infrastructure is needed in Connemara to ensure the region can sustain jobs.
Councillor Seán Ó Tuairisg has made the comments after a Connemara based company announced that it’s to let go 55 staff.
HID Global Ireland Teoranta in An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann has decided to transfer its inlay production to another of its group facilities in Malaysia.
As a result, the company is offering voluntary redundancy to 55 staff.
HID Global Ireland Teoranta manufactures inlays and datapage products containing contactless smartcard technology for identity documents such as ePassports.
It currently employs 180 people at its facility in An Tulach and the redundancies are expected to be on a phased basis next year.
In a statement to Galway Bay fm News, Udarás na Gaeltachta says it’s disappointed by the comany’s decision to move production away from Connemara.
However Udarás says it recognises that HID Global is committed to its R&D and manufacturing centre in the gaeltacht.
In a statement, HID Global says that the move is in response to market demand and preparing the Galway facility for future growth.
Local councillor Seán Ó Tuairisg says it’s difficult for Connemara to compete for business when there is a lack of investment in basic infrastructure