THE LOSS OF 142 jobs after a Tipperary-based electrical contractors ceased trading will be “absolutely devastating” to the area, one local councillor has said.

Cllr Billy Shoer told TheJournal.ie the closure of JRE Group in Clonmel would be a serious blow to many people in the town. The company announced this afternoon that it would cease trading due to adverse conditions, reports Tipp FM.

“It’s absolutely devastating for Clonmel and the surrounding area,” Cllr Shoer said. He added that several of the town’s major employers are facing closure. “The psychiatric unit at the hospital is down for closure as well, and the future of Kickham Barracks is under review and it doesn’t look good for it.”

Another councillor, Independent Richie Molloy, said the shutdown came as a surprise. “We’re all very shocked by it, and just wondering whether anything can be done,” he said. “It was a long established company here, it’s about 16 years in the town. I would have known one or two staff members personally.”

The company could not be reached for comment.