The local authority is also seeking assurances that “a comprehensive local transition and support framework will be established at the earliest opportunity” to support an estimated 100 people who are set to lose their jobs.
The motion, brought forward by Independent councillor Pier Leonard was seconded by Cllr Tom Fortune and Cllr Joe Behan and received full cross-party support at the council meeting on Monday afternoon, in particular from her district colleagues in Arklow.
Wicklow County Council has requested to actively participate in any taskforce established. The chief executive Emer O’Gorman is also being asked to coordinate with the Local Enterprise Office and local stakeholders to “ensure timely communication of supports, promote retraining and upskilling, assist affected small businesses, and protect local employment and economic stability.
Cllr Leonard says the recently announced closure of the Merck facility in Arklow is a major blow.
“This is not only a blow for the 100 skilled workers directly affected, but for the wider Wicklow economy. These are high-value technical and manufacturing roles that sustain local families, small businesses, and community confidence.
“The ripple effect will be felt across Arklow’s service sector, retail, and local suppliers, so we need an urgent, coordinated response.” she added.
Cllr Leonard says the local authority needs to play an active role in a local transition taskforce from the outset – working with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, the ETB, and the Local Enterprise Office.
“The skills developed at Merck are highly transferable to growth sectors like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and data centres, and we need to keep that talent within our county.
Cllr Leonard has also called for clarity on the future of the Merck site.
“It’s a prime, serviced industrial location that should not be allowed to lie idle – it must be marketed proactively as part of a long-term strategy for sustainable industry and green investment in Wicklow.
“Local SMEs that depend on Merck’s presence will need targeted assistance to stay afloat and adapt.” she added.
Cllr Leonard says her motion sends a clear message.
“Wicklow stands with the workers and the community of Arklow, and we expect the state agencies to deliver a fair, forward-looking transition.
“To ensure this happens, the council should request regular progress reports from the taskforce and state agencies, so we can track outcomes on retraining, job replacement, and site redevelopment – and hold all parties accountable for delivering real results for the people of Wicklow.”
The discussion at County Buildings came just under two weeks after Minister Burke visited the Merck site in Arklow to meet staff and union representatives amid the planned closure.
At that meeting he confirmed ongoing discussions will take place over the coming month between management and the union.
He also announced a taskforce would be established to explore future options for the site. Minister Burke said it was important to hear directly about the impact of the site’s impending closure.
Wicklow Wexford Malcolm Byrne had raised with the Taoiseach in the Dáil prior to that meeting and the need for a fresh plant for the site on the Vale Road.
“Arklow has a long and proud tradition in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It is a vital sector for Irish society, so it is important that we can find a replacement plant there to provide high-value employment in Arklow as soon as possible,” he said.
“Until now, Merck has been a very good employer. It is critical, and I would like assurances, that every support will be given to those workers. Some will have to redeploy but I refer also to any necessary upskilling and retraining.”
“Arklow has a long and proud tradition in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It is a vital sector for Irish society, so it is important that we can find a replacement plant there to provide high-value employment in Arklow as soon as possible.” he added.
In response the Taoiseach said he would keep a close eye on the situation.
“This is a very sad and challenging situation for Arklow and those working in the Merck Life Sciences plant. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, and ensure the IDA and Enterprise Ireland respond – what normally happens now is that they do respond – and that each employee is engaged with in terms of their own individual choices regarding redeployment or alternative employment. That is important.
“I have witnessed it before where something can be created out of this, positively, I hope, in terms of future employment or creation of SMEs or smaller companies, but also then a replacement industry.
“It is an important facility that has potential. If an alternative company can be attracted into that facility, that would be very desirable.”
“We will talk to IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland about that. The Department of Social Protection will also reach out to workers.” he added.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme