650 workers are to be laid off temporarily after Tara Mines in Navan announced it is to cease production and exploration.
Employees were told at a meeting last night the decision was taken to safeguard the long-term future of the company, in response to significant and unsustainable financial losses at the business.
Management said it could not be definitive about the length of the layoff but believed the situation would be temporary.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney said State agencies will be sent to the mine today to assist workers, especially apprentices who are in the middle of their training.
SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Division Organiser Adrian Kane expressed his concern that SIPTU was not advised of the decision by the company:
"We're concerned that the union wasn't formally notified by the company. we will be seeking an urgent meeting with the company."
"And certainly we will be looking and exploring all ways in which we can mitigate the effects of the proposed layoff."
