Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
LAST UPDATE | 9 Apr 2020
DEBENHAMS HAS TOLD staff that the company is to go into liquidation and will not be reopening its 11 Irish stores after the Covid-19 emergency.
The Mandate Trade Union has said this will mean the loss of almost 2,000 jobs across the country.
The company operates four stores in Dublin, two in Cork and others in Galway, Limerick, Newbridge, Tralee and Waterford.
In a statement today, Debenhams said the Republic of Ireland retail operations had trading challenges which were exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 and that it has already suspended trading in Irish stores, the majority of which are not now expected to reopen.
The retailer said customers will still be able to shop online.
“We are desperately sorry not to be able to keep the Irish business operating but are faced with no alternative option in the current environment,” Debenhams CEO Stefaan Vansteenkiste said today.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish colleagues, whose professionalism and commitment to serving our customers has never been in question.
“The colleagues have been placed on temporary lay-off under the Irish Government’s payment support schemes for employers and we will be working with them to support them through this process,” he said.
Debenhams said yesterday that it was to go into administration in the UK with its 142 stores closed and 22,000 staff placed on furlough. The UK department store dates back to 1778.
This would represent the second time in 12 months that the UK store entered administration. On that occasion, Debenhams Ireland reassured staff here that they would not be affected.
Debenhams in Ireland operates under a separate company, Debenhams Retail (Ireland) Ltd, following an examinership process in the Republic of Ireland in 2016.
Under that process, the vast majority of the company’s 1,400 directly employed staff, some 500 concession staff and 300 cosmetic staff were to be retained.
The company has suspended trading due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Irish staff have now been informed in a letter that “these stores are not expected to reopen.”
“Despite knowledge that the company was in administration and that it wasn’t trading well, this news has come as a massive shock to our members who will be devastated by this announcement,” general secretary of the Mandate trade union John Douglas said this afternoon.
“We are in close contact with the company and will remain so over the forthcoming process. We will be seeking a meeting with the liquidator when they are appointed and demanding that our members are prioritised throughout the liquidation process so that we can get the best possible deal for them.”
Serious injuries because the state refuses to legalize fireworks but prefers thousands of them to be let off illegally. Same with drugs. Leave it to the underworld to police that too. Dumb and dumber.
@Red Pirate 71: serious injuries because someone brought illegal explosives into the country which were used illegally by untrained individuals. Personal responsibility goes a long way, it’s not the states fault all the time!
@Red Pirate 71: how would legalising fireworks prevent accidents like this?
Next you’ll be blaming the government for the weather.
@Red Pirate 71: How can you blame the government for teenagers being idiots?
@Chin Feeyin: Because the fireworks they could buy then would be regulated and have proper safety standards attached to them. I guarantee what caused this was some shitty black cat banger from the black market.
@Luap: most fireworks are bought in the north
@Red Pirate 71: so you’re blaming the state for the stupid actions of two fellows who are old enough to know better?
@Red Pirate 71:
Personal responsibility.
@Chin Feeyin: Everyone knows the government is to blame for the weather !
@Richie Kennedy: because he is from that part of society himself.
@Luap: that’s pure speculation. Fireworks are dangerous in any kids’ hands. Also dangerous in the hands of untrained adults.
@Red Pirate 71: ‘cos no one in countries where fireworks are legal has ever been injured?
@Red Pirate 71: and dumbest
@Luap: You guarantee it do you?
@Red Pirate 71: this is by far the most idiotic comment ive ever seen… What a dope!!!
@Red Pirate 71: it’s legal in the uk and they never have firework accidents!
@Paul: It is very much the states responsibility to police this, they after all, are the ones who put the legislation in place. Wouldn’t be surprised if you are one of those people who buy fireworks on the black market for Halloween night.
@Paul: If the state prohibits something they create a black market. Black market dealers will sell to children! Were fireworks legal and sold in shops, you would be able to have laws to restrict children from buying them.
Zero sympathy unless they were subjected of an actual accident, on the other hand if they did this to themselves whilst mucking around illegally with illegal fireworks… well, Darwin always wins.
@ros aodha: they are only kids you muppet. Be careful what you write . Family members could be reading this. Fool
Cabra fireworks intimidation of innocent people gangs on bikes lawless living off the state I’m entitled give me everything now and I will promise to be vermin leeching off the state right to the end !
Apparently one lad lost a couple of fingers, the other an eye.
@Liam Ó hAodha: ah well.
So?
Anyone see the video going around with the AC Milan fan(I think) losing a hand thanks to a firework,, gruesome to say the least… :(
@Devilsavocado: ya looks cool
They were setting off fireworks ‘on the southside’ as well yesterday – could only hear them, but one sounded like a lovely sparkely one – only it was in the middle of the afternoon in bright sunshine … what a waste
Well if you play with fire……
Been gangs of these youths setting them off around pearse street since mid august, aiming them at people passing by. Gards dont seem to be doing anything to stop it
I was getting off the Luas at Broadstone yesterday evening when a group of teenagers let off proper fireworks beside the track. They exploded at ground level. I was thinking they could’ve seriously injured someone. One girl walking beside them got such a fright. Wonder if it was the same group they were on the green Luas line to Cabra
The Dumb F**kers were messing with Explosives, shit happens when your that thick.
@Jesse James: Maybe learn how to spell ‘you’re’ before calling people dumb. And get some empathy while you’re at it too.
@Marie McG: play stupid games win stupid prizes
Nobody is doing 5 years for lighting fireworks. What nonsense! You wouldn’t even get 5 years for murder in this country.
It’s a little early for fireworks.
Kids will be kids. Some have to learn the hard way.
Two more candidates for the Darwin Awards :-)
Kids will be kids.
Some have to learn the hard way.
have your say