Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan - Dublin City Council unanimously opposes factory closure

Published: 6 July, 2004

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East, Councilor Daithí Doolan, speaking last night in City Hall called on the, "Department of Health & children to review their proposal to close Blindcraft on Davitt Road."

Mr. Doolan, speaking after his emergency motion opposing the closure was unanimously passed by all City Councillors, welcomed, "the cross party support here tonight. Blindcraft employ 27 blind people and 8 sighted people. Blindcraft was set up to provide employment for those blind people coming out of schools for the blind in Dublin. It has continued to employ people in the manufacture of beds and toiletries. The announcement that it is to close has come as serious blow to both staff and families."

Local Councillor Andrew O'Connell, supporting the motion said he, "would be leading a delegation to meet the staff on Friday to discuss how best we can support them in their fight to protect their jobs. Blindcraft provides a vital service and needs to be kept open."

Doolan concluded by calling on the Department of Health & Children to, "review the situation as a matter of urgency. Blindcraft is a beacon in the employment of people with disabilities, to keep it open is vital and the staff have my full active support in doing so."