Tipperary TD Noel Coonan said today is a sad day for Lisheen Mine with the news that the company is progressing its phased wind down of operations and is now accepting applications for a voluntary redundancy programme.
Deputy Coonan said: “Lisheen Mine has historically been a valued employer in the local community in Thurles and surrounding areas; and has always worked well and contributed significantly to the local community.
“It is regrettable that Lisheen and BEET Ireland were not able to reach an agreement on the site which would have been an ideal opportunity.
“However, I will be working hard with my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natual Resources Alex White and Minister Alan Kelly who I understand met with Lisheen recently. We will do all in our power to attract industry to the area. I will also work with the task force under the Chairmanship of Liz O’Donnell,” concluded Deputy Coonan.