Pictured in Strasbourg last week following the European Parliament’s overwhelming vote to approve European Globalisation Funding (EGF) for former Waterford Crystal workers were, from left: David McGuinness, Joe Kelly (EGF Committee), Sean Kelly MEP, Paul Breslin, Secretary, EGF Committee, Barbara Matera MEP and Senator Paudie Coffey.
The European Parliament last week approved the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) application which will assist the 650 Waterford Crystal workers made redundant following the closure of the Kilbarry plant last year.
The EGF application comes in at just under €4 million, with the Irish Government providing €1.4 million of that figure.
“We are appreciative of this support,” said Tánaiste Mary Coughlan following last Tuesday’s announcement.
“It responds to the strong case made by the Government and EU recognition that the measures to assist workers formerly employed in Waterford Crystal justify financial support.”
A Waterford Crystal EGF Steering Committee has been established by the Government under the chairmanship of Waterford City Manager Michael Walsh.
This committee will assist in the co-ordination of the relevant supports that former Crystal employees will requires for retraining, up-skilling, enterprise development and educational opportunities.
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