Longford Review of the Year July 2024: Severe blow as over 130 jobs to be lost at Longford company

Over 130 jobs set to go at local company

Longford was hit by a severe jobs blow in July, with the news that Masterlink Logistics was set to let 130 staff go.
The firm has been a strong employer in Longford town in recent years.
The transport company, which has been one of the country's leading transportation providers for over a decade, operates 10 locations nationwide with a major distribution facility located in Ballyminnion on the Athlone Road.
It is understood that Masterlink had lost a major contract with Dunnes Stores, leading to the significant job losses.
Local Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty expressed his disappointment when speaking to the Leader.
“The decision by Dunnes Stores has had a major knock on effect on the workers in Masterlink ,” he stated.
“This is particularly disappointing, given that Masterlink was looking to expand in recent times. They have developed a fantastic facility,” the Fianna Fail TD added .
Deputy Flaherty said he was hopeful that the company would fulfil all of their obligations as regards entitlements for the departing workers.
He stated, “The consultation process has commenced. The company has a responsibility with regards to Human Resources obligations.”
However, he went on to say that the industry is very competitive and there are good opportunities for the Masterlink workers.
"There are jobs out there in the industry. The company has given workers the option of relocating but that won't be feasible for all workers," he stated.
"Our thoughts are with the workers and that they secure alternative employment," Deputy Flaherty added.

Trio tragically killed

Gardaí appealed to road users in July to exercise extreme caution and stay safe after three separate fatal crashes and the deaths of Damian Machnowski, Marcin Nowosielski and Joe Luis Marroquin .
Mr Machnowski, in his 30s, died on July 9 when his vehicle struck a wall on the N55 between Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown.
Mr Nowosielski (47) was found dead in his vehicle in a ditch off the R395, while Mr Marroquin was killed in a two-vehicle collision on the Castlepollard to Mullingar road on July 3.

N4 plan consultation

A public consultation process on the preferred route for the upgrade of the N4 is took place in early-July.
The third non-statutory public consultation for the much delayed N4 Mullingar to Longford (Rooskey) upgrade began on July 2.
The consultation team hosted these events based on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor (EPRC).
Earlier this year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announced €1.4 million in funding for the N4 project.
That sum has funded this stage of the project.

Tributes to Damien

Colleagues paid tribute to Longford father and garda Damien Sharkey, formerly of Templemichael Terrace, who passed away suddenly on July 20.
Mr Sharkey who lived in Nenagh and worked at the Garda College Templemore passed away suddenly at home surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by wife Joan and kids Abbey, Polly and Mia.