End of an era as Curragh Carpets closes
Curragh Carpets Newbridge Closing. Story Paula Campbell, Photo. Jimmy Fullam.
It’s the end of an era of industry that defined Newbridge for much of the past century - but for the 60 people who worked at the historic factory, and their families, it is a shocking and devastating blow.After 70 years making carpets in Newbridge, the High Court appointed a liquidator to the Curragh Carpets last Friday morning, October 26.
With no notice that anything was amiss, the workers were called to a meeting at noon and informed of the development.
They were then asked to leave the premises. SIPTU which represents 35 of the workers has condemned the manner of the announcement, given that there was no warning.
“The closure of this long established manufacturing plant has left the workers and their families in a state of shock,” SIPTU Organiser, Miriam Hamilton told the Leinster Leader.
“Generations of the same families have been employed at the carpet manufacturing plant.
“They have been treated disgracefully by the company and must now apply to the social fund for payment of their outstanding wages and redundancy entitlements.”
Ms. Hamilton said that while workers were aware that things were tough for the company, the manner of how the closure was announced came as a shock.
Calls to the Curragh Carpets went unanswered, and there was no response to invitations to talk the the Leinster Leader.
At the time of writing, Monday, October 29, the company’s website is still live.
- Conor McHugh
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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