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The town of Killarney was in a state of shock this week as news broke that over 200 jobs could be lost at the town’s biggest employer, Liebherr crane factory in Fossa.

SIPTU says it is has been told that at least 27 workers are losing their jobs almost immediately and another 60 may be let go in July. Further cutbacks are expected in August when another 128 employees could be let go. The firm currently employs more than 800 people.

SIPTU Organiser Joe Kelly said: "Our members are shocked and disappointed at the confirmation by the management of Liebherr of the extent of potential job losses at the plant over the coming weeks and months. SIPTU representatives were informed yesterday of the scale of potential job losses with 27 workers to be let go at the end of June, up to 60 in July and possibly 128 in August.

"This is a severe blow to the loyal Liebherr workforce, their families and the community in Killarney and surrounding areas. The company has provided steady employment for generations of workers in Kerry."

Liebherr has been a reliable source of employment for the Killarney area for decades and locals are hopeful that the company can bounce back and continue to provide jobs for many years to come.

In 1958, Hans Liebherr founded the company in Ireland as the business’ first manufacturing plant outside of Germany. At the Killarney plant the company produces ship to shore container cranes, rubber-tyred and rail-mounted stacker cranes, and accessories. Liebherr container cranes are in use in over 100 ports and nearly 50 countries worldwide.

The Killarney operation is part of global powerhouse the Liebherr Group which has an annual turnover of $9 billion with 150 companies and 41,500 employees worldwide.