Foley winds down Accelerated Drain Cleaning

Accelerated Drain Cleaning (ADC), the company set up 20 years ago next month by Offaly councillor John Foley, has gone into voluntary liquidation. The company, which at its height employed 60 people, ceased trading last Monday. Speaking this week Mr Foley said making the decision to place his company in liquidation was "heart wrenching". However he said his company had become unsustainable. Mr Foley said his work as a councillor for the people of Edenderry and the surrounding area will be unaffected by his business setback. Explaining the decision behind his company's demise Mr Foley said it was a victim of the domino effect created when the property and construction bubble burst. "When companies involved in this sector began to find themselves in financial distress, we were one of many companies who were owed considerable amounts of money, and as a result of this we found that it was unsustainable to continue to trade," he explained. "The decision to close was particularly difficult due to the fact that all my employees have been extremely loyal and hardworking and have left no stone unturned in their efforts to make Accelerated Drains the hugely successful company that it was over the last 20 years," he said. He added that "every possible avenue" was explored over the last three weeks to keep ADC alive and its jobs safe, but despite his best efforts liquidation became a necessity. ADC has been involved with many clubs and organisations locally by way of sponsorship, and Mr Foley thanked these groups as well as his employees and the community of Edenderry for their "unstinting loyalty and support down through the years". "Over the many successful years of the company we were in a position to provide sponsorship to a large amount of clubs and organisations throughout Offaly and indeed throughout the country," Mr Foley said. "To those organisations I also express my thanks for allowing me the honour of having the Foley name associated with their magnificent efforts to make this area a better place for young and old." He added that one of the most cherished memories he takes from the last 20 years is the pride his daughter Orla, wife Marie and himself have had in being able to assist those groups and people. "The loyalty and support I in turn received from the clubs and organisations was immense and I thank each and every one of them for that," he said. Mr Foley is a serving member of both Edenderry Town Council and Offaly County Council. He said this week his efforts in the political sphere will not change. "I have always fought tooth and nail for the people of this town and county at a political level and will continue to do so for as long as the people wish me to," he said. Mr Foley said he intends to rebuild his business and provide local employment again "as soon as humanly possible." Reacting to the news this week fellow Offaly councillor Noel Bourke said he has great sympathy for owners of any company that runs into trading difficulties and equal sympathy for employees who lose jobs as a result. "Accelerated Drain Cleaning Ltd gave great employment over the years and had the record of a company which gave first class service and was very good for the area," he said. He also acknowledged the benefits clubs and organisations received from ADC, and wished Mr Foley well in the future.