Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called on the government to ensure that the saving of all 700 jobs in Elverys Sports is made a priority. Deputy Ferris, who has written to the Jobs Minister, made his call after being contacted by those representing 15 staff working in the two stores in Tralee and Killarney.
“Elverys is Ireland’s oldest sports retailer and has been existence since 1847. It has 50 stores located in 23 of the 26 counties, including Tralee and Killarney where they employ 15 staff. It has a strong brand and a great reputation.
“It has built that reputation on the back of the work of hundreds of staff. It’s important that the jobs, pay and terms and conditions of these staff are front and centre in any future resolution.
“It also should be noted that the long term sustainability of retail jobs are best served by strong local management. I would encourage the government to do what it can to ensure that this is taken into consideration. I have written to Minister Richard Bruton to ask that he does all he can to secure these jobs.
“Nama took the decision to seek the appointment of the examiner. While NAMA’s overriding commercial objective is to generate the best achievable financial return for the taxpayer, its work must also contribute to employment and economic recovery and to the achievement of broader social and economic policy objectives.
“The saving of these 700 jobs and the creation of a healthy Irish business, sustainable into the future, must be central to the achievement of these goals,” Deputy Ferris warned.
