The Government is being urged to seek EU funds for workers at Cameron in Longford.

More than 170 workers are set to lose their jobs at the engineering plant after the company announced it is to cease most operations by Christmas.

MEP Marian Harkin said a European Globalisation Fund could really assist those affected.

She said she had written to the Department to request officials start the ball rolling on the matter.

“It’s 170 redundancies. That would have a significant impact on Longford and the Midlands,” she said.

“In that context, it’s perfectly acceptable for the Government to apply for the Globalisation Fund for these workers which would allow them extra funding for retraining, upskilling or even starting their own business.”