By Michelle Crean

There was a major shock for Argos Killarney staff as the company today (Thursday) announced that it is to shut up shop.

The news - that all of their Irish stores are to close - will not only result in multiple local job losses at the Deerpark Retail PARK - but the economic impact will also be a major blow to Killarney town.

The company, who made the announcement this morning, are planning the closures by the end of June and say that the Northern Ireland stores and rest of UK are "not impacted" as Argos "continues to perform well" there.

"Everyone at Argos recognises that today’s news will be unsettling for all its colleagues, some of whom have served Argos customers in Ireland for many years, and disappointing for its loyal customers," a company statement read.

"Argos is committed to doing everything it can to support its people and is talking to 580 colleagues, across 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland about their options. As part of its consultation with colleagues and Mandate, the recognised trade union, Argos will propose an enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations. The small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment. To further support colleagues, Argos has also committed to a programme of wider support over the coming months.

“We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues," Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, said.

"As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted. On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”

Argos stores will remain open to customers in the Republic of Ireland until June 24.

Argos will begin the process of gradually winding down its Irish business. As part of this, customers in Ireland will no longer be able to pay for orders via the Argos website or place orders via its home delivery service after March 22.

The aftersales, returns, refunds and exchanges policy will continue to apply until Argos stores close.