Miserable weather matches the grey mood

The wet, grey and miserable conditions matched the mood of many workers leaving Gateway's massive plant in Clonshaugh, Co Dublin…

The wet, grey and miserable conditions matched the mood of many workers leaving Gateway's massive plant in Clonshaugh, Co Dublin, yesterday following the news that the company was to cease operations within the next month.

But the feelings of shock, uncertainty and disbelief that greeted announcements of jobs cuts at the US multinational PC manufacturer earlier in the year were replaced by a mood of resignation and acceptance yesterday.

Many were expecting what they termed the inevitable. Just last week staff were told to appoint employee representatives to consult the company over future redundancies and restructuring in Dublin.

"We were brought into a meeting and we were told the plan was to close the plant," said Mr Stephen Davoren from Donnycarney.

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"It wasn't really a shock. Everyone was expecting it anyway. With the way the market was going, it was only a matter of time. It was kind of inevitable."

Nevertheless, many employees could not hide their disappointment at yesterday's news.

"We're not really surprised, but at the same time it's quite shocking when you're told of the situation in black and white," said Ms Susan Donnelly from Swords, who had been with the company for more than five years and is one of those chosen to represent employees.

"We're hoping to come to an agreement on elements of the severance package," she said. "I hope my experience will allow me to find another job, but in the current climate it may be a little difficult."

She said it would take some time for the full impact of the announcement to settle in.

"People were quite sad. They were looking at friends and knew they wouldn't be working with them again. It's all just sinking in now."

Twenty-four-year-old Mr Warren Savage described the news as "very hard".

"We were expecting it, the rumours were going around. But I didn't think the whole thing would close," he said.

For Dutchman Mr Arnout Cator, it was the second time being laid off from the plant, having been among those let go in the first round of cuts earlier in the year.

He had returned as a contract worker.

He described the mood in the plant as "really bad" and said he was upset by the news.

"Upset for Gateway and for Ireland as well," he added.

The general feeling among staff was that Gateway had been a good place to work.

"It was a great company to work for. It'll be difficult to find similar," said Ms Michelle Graham, who had just returned to work from maternity leave. However, she was keen to put a brave face on yesterday's developments.

"We'll be all right. There's work out there. We'll be OK," she said.

Other employees among the relatively young workforce were concerned for colleagues with financial and family commitments.

"It really affects people with mortgages, building extensions, having another child. It's sad," said Ms Una Quinn.

But it was not just Gateway staff who were affected by yesterday's news of closure.

As is the case in these situations, a myriad of local suppliers will also feel the impact.

"We'll be gone as well. So will the cleaners, the security, everybody," said Ms Lisa Hayes, who worked in catering in the factory.

"We haven't been told anything as such. We're waiting for meetings tomorrow."