The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has told local Deputy Fergus O’Dowd that he met senior management of BD, including the current Global President of the company, at their Headquarters in New Jersey on Monday July 15.
Also present was the CEO of the IDA Michael Lohan, local IDA representatives based in New York, officials from the Department of Enterprise along with myself and my adviser.
“I had requested a note to be prepared, based on the meaningful and thorough presentation given to us by one of the BD Shop Stewards, Trevor, during the July 10 meeting with local representatives, unions and workers” Minster Burke said, adding that he had hand-delivered it directly to the President of BD.
“We discussed the recent announcement of the closure of the Drogheda plant, the shock and loss being felt by all parties, the important role that BD had played in the community of Drogheda through generations, which was acknowledged by the management team.
“They committed to me that they would work with the IDA and the government to find a new buyer for the site.
“They advised the consultation period was ongoing regarding the redundancy process so they wanted to respect this, but said they are fully behind this process, and it would be equitable to all staff.
“IDA representatives advised they will keep in touch with BD on this process on a regular basis, along with exploring future opportunities for the site.
“We continue to work with the workers on alternative opportunities, towards the final closure date we have been given of September 2026.”
