More than 70 jobs are to be lost with the collapse of a four decades-old building contractors company, it emerged today.
The Co Donegal firm James Likely Ltd, which contracted plumbing and mechanical services across the country, is to go into liquidation.
The Ballyshannon-based operation blamed the sharp downturn in the construction industry, below-cost tendering by competitors and the inability of major developers to repay debts.
In a statement, directors James and Aiden Likely also hit out at new government-introduced procurement regulations and high operating costs in the Republic.
The business was set up in 1970 and at its peak employed as many as 150 workers, including skilled staff, sub-contractors and a support team.
As many as 75 jobs are to go after the decision at a shareholders’ meeting to appoint a liquidator to the company.
The directors said any outstanding staff entitlements would be addressed over the coming weeks by the liquidator.
Dinny McGinley, Fine Gael TD for Donegal South West, branded the job losses a psychological blow for the county.
“It is certainly another dark day for many families throughout Donegal,” he said.
“The 75 job losses are not the whole story, as these figures do not include subcontractors and other providers who will also be affected.”
PA