Longford firms create 87 new jobs as they continue to adapt to economic challenges
It’s been a mixed week for Longford’s economic landscape with confirmation of close to 90 jobs coming on stream on the back of government backed support while two local businesses indicated they are to close their doors.
Figures released this week by Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney’s department have shown Longford’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) facilitated the creation of 87 jobs by companies it supported over the course of the past 12 months.
This figure compared favourably with the 65 jobs that were created with support from the LEO Longford in 2021.
LEO Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin said, “These results are a testament to Longford’s small business community.”
Mr Nevin added, “In spite of challenges linked to the pandemic, rising costs, especially energy costs and global uncertainty, local firms have continued to adapt, pivot, and upskill and do whatever it takes to sustain themselves. The figures show that the local economy continues to grow and importantly it continues to provide employment and career opportunities.”
Mr Nevin concluded, “This year will be no different in terms of challenges faced but we will continue to work closely with the business community and all our partners to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports available.”
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies.
In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally in 2021. From the jobs created, 84% were outside of the Dublin region.
The positive news from LEO Longford comes in the wake of last Thursday’s announcement that Argos is closing all 34 stores nationwide by the end of June, including its Longford based outlet at the county town’s N4 Axis Centre.
The company said it arrived at the decision to leave Ireland following a long period of careful consideration and a thorough review of its business and operations in the country.
It concluded the investment required to develop and modernise the Irish part of its business was not viable and that the money would be better invested in other parts of its business.
Argos says it is committed to doing everything it can to support its people and is talking to 580 staff members, across 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland about their options.
Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, said: “We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues. As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted. On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”
Meanwhile, it has been announced that long established Longford wholesaler McCarrick’s Cash N Carry business is to close next month following its takeover by Irish retail group, BWG Foods.
The business will operate from BWG’s Value Centre branch in Mullingar over the next number of weeks.