REACTION: Navan left reeling after the announcement that 650 Tara Mines workers are to be temporarily laid off

It may have been the hottest day of the year yesterday, but the darkest of clouds loomed over Navan with the news that Tara Mines - one of the county's biggest employers was laying almost off its entire workforce.

In a statement issued last night, parent company Boliden said that "due to a combination of factors, the Tara mine in Ireland will be placed under 'care and maintenance'. The decision means that production and exploration ceases temporarily at the mine.

Workers laid off will continue to be employees of Tara Mines but will not be receiving wages.

"The business is currently cash flow negative, due to a combination of factors including operational challenges, a decline in the price of zinc, high energy prices and general cost inflation," the company said in its statement.

"Tara will therefore be placed under care and maintenance until further notice.

The decision means that production at the mine ceases and that the workforce is temporarily laid off until conditions of the operation improve.

In a letter to staff penned by General Manager, Gunnar Nystrom said the decision had been taken to safeguard the long-term future of the operation at Navan, in response to significant and unsustainable losses that the business is currently experiencing. "The directors of Boliden Tara Mines believe that this situation is temporary."

"We are acutely aware of the difficulty and disruption that this decision will cause for our employees. We are also aware that it will come as a shock. We will remain in continuous dialogue with you and your representatives to keep you updated and informed about the situation."

Reaction was swift to the news that will have a major impact on families across Navan and wider community.

Navan Lord Mayor Cllr Eddie Fennessy

"Deeply distressing news tonight. Tara Mines has been a key driver of Navan's growth over the past 50 years.

"The government need to move hell and high water to protect local employment and trade interests at the Mine. The consequences of losing 650 jobs and the knock on effect this would have on the local economy would be catastrophic.

"There are a lot of very worried families in Meath this evening. I urge the government to ensure they are given access to whatever supports are needed to get them through this difficult situation."

Deputy Damien English

Senator Shane Cassells

I have contacted the Tanaiste this evening and made him aware of the breaking situation and have tabled a special debate in the Seanad tomorrow morning at 10.30am to discuss this with the Minister and press him on the measures that government can take to assist.

Not only does Tara Mines employ 650 people but it supports thousands of other jobs in the region.

We must do everything we can to support the long term future of the mine and those employed there.

Management claim this decision has been taken to safeguard the long-term future of the operation at Navan, in response to significant and unsustainable losses that the business here is currently experiencing.

The directors do believe that this situation is temporary and done in order to safeguard the long-term future of the mine.

It is according to them as a result of the current price of zinc, high energy prices, and general cost inflation.

My thoughts are with the workers that are being temporarily laid off and it is essential that this is only a temporary step.

I will be working hard with those in government to ensure it is only temporary and that we have Tara Mines back operational again ASAP.

Deputy Johnny Guirke

"Worrying news coming out of Tara Mines this evening, Government need to act fast & meet with Boliden management & unions. We must protect the 650 jobs in Navan."

Deputy Peadar Toibin

"Disastrous news at Tara Mines as it closes temporarily. In April I called on the Minister for Enterprise to engage with Tara Mines on the spiraling cost of energy to save jobs."

Minister Thomas Byrne

Deputy Darren O'Rourke

Minister Helen McEntee

Cllr Paul McCabe