Meeting sought with IDA CEO over closure of Athy's Coca Cola plant

A local councillor in Athy is calling for Kildare County Council to call for a meeting with Martin Shanahan, the CEO of the IDA, following the news that the Coca Cola plant in Athy will close.

The Athy International Concentrates plant in Athy manufactures the popular soft drink, but all of its services will be move to Ballina Beverages in county Mayo following a review of their manufacturing process.

The company released a statement last week saying that they regret having to close the plant which has been operating there for 45 years.

Cllr Thomas Redmond has asked the council to request a meeting with Mr Shanahan  to discuss all issues relevant to jobs retention/creation in the South Kildare area on the back of the plant closure.

Cllr Aoife Breslin and Cllr Mark Wall have also raised a motion for the next meeting of the Athy Municipal District council, asking that the council confirm what contact they have already had with relevant agencies to progress alternative employment for the town, what plans the council has for future employment in the area and if the council will agree to organising a special meeting for all government agencies involved in any way with prospective employment to include local public representatives and all key stakeholders as a matter of urgency.