Closure of Argos stores in Louth "extremely regrettable"

Argos is to close all its outlets in Ireland, including its stores in Dundalk and Drogheda, it was announced today.

The stores will remain open to customers until 24th June with aftersales, returns, refunds and exchanges policy will continue to apply until Argos stores close. 

Customers in Ireland will no longer be able to place orders via the website or select the home delivery service after 31st March 2023.

Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd said that the closures were “an extremely regrettable decision” and said the government would provide assistance to affected employees.

“I am very disappointed that Argos have announced their withdrawal from the Irish Market as and from the 24th of June.

“This will affect staff in both the Drogheda and Dundalk stores, many of whom have worked for the company for a number of years.

“This is an extremely regrettable decision that the company have made, not only for those who have been told their jobs are to go, but also for families involved.

“Whilst the company have stated they are engaging with the staff and providing redundancies beyond their statutory obligation, I have nonetheless made contact with the Minister for Enterprise, Simon Coveney, to ensure that the Government provide all possible assistance at this difficult time.”

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The Labour party TD was speaking in the Dail following the Minister’s address to the house.

The Mandate Trade Union expressed its disappointment at Argos’ decision and said the union  will engage intensively to get the best possible deal for workers being made redundant.

Mandate official Michael Meegan said :

“Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here. Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage," he said. 

"We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company.” 

In a letter sent to local politicians, Argos Ireland Operations Manager Andy McClelland said:

 “We recognise that today’s news will be disappointing to our loyal customers and unsettling for our hard-working colleagues, some of whom have served Argos customers in Ireland for many years.

“We are committed to supporting our colleagues in any way we can, and we are talking to all 580 colleagues across our 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland about their options.

“As part of our consultations with colleagues and Mandate, our recognised trade union, an enhanced redundancy package that goes beyond statutory obligations will be proposed. This proposal includes four “weeks’ pay for every year of service, on top of statutory redundancy pay, which is two weeks’ pay for every year of service. 

“Those not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law will be offered a one-off goodwill payment. To further support colleagues, we have also committed to a programme of wider support over the coming months.”