Seventy-seven jobs were under threat today after travel agent Thomas Cook revealed plans to close some of its operations in Ireland.
Management have proposed shutting its three Dublin stores, two Thomas Cook branches and a Direct Holidays outlet.
It is understood union representatives were meeting company bosses in the capital to discuss the proposals.
A spokesman for Thomas Cook blamed a change in customer’s buying habits for the move.
“Over the past few years Thomas Cook and the Irish travel market have changed dramatically, as have our customers’ buying habits and booking trends,” he said.
“In light of this, we have reviewed our operations and the services we provide to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of the business and our customers.”
A 30-day consultation period with staff begins next week and Thomas Cook said the priority was to keep as many staff on as possible.
Thomas Cook insisted it would maintain its Irish business at its back office and call centre operation in Parkwest, Dublin with 70 positions being retained.
The cuts will not affect operations in Northern Ireland.
PA