The planned closure of the Franciscan Well brewery in Cork will be met with disappointment and concern by affected staff, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice, who represents Cork South-Central, said:
“The announcement by Molson Coors that the brewery is to cease production in the new year is a sad day for Cork. However, my immediate thoughts are with the 15 affected workers and their families.
“While the closure of any business is always unfortunate, the timing of today’s news – just weeks before Christmas – will be particularly difficult for impacted staff.
“I welcome that the company is to enter into a consultation process with staff and has pledged to seek redeployment of the brewery’s employees wherever possible.
“Given the ongoing cost of living and housing crises, this is the worst possible time to learn of the closure of a well-known business in Cork city.
“In the event of staff not being redeployed within the company, those losing their jobs must receive adequate redundancy packages and be fully supported in securing alternative employment.”
November 17, 2025