Clara flat bread company to move to tullamore

Offaly TD Barry Cowen has expressed his disappointment at the news that The Flat Bread Company, originally based in Clara, has decided to relocate outside of the town with the loss of over 30 jobs.  

The company has been based in Clara since 2009 but was forced to relocate following a fire last January. Management have confirmed that the company will no longer be based in Clara and will instead be located in Tullamore.

Deputy Cowen said “I am disappointed to learn that The Flat Bread Company has decided to relocate outside of Clara. Management at the company have said that the move was necessary due to reasons outside of their control, such as the pressure of contracts and the arrival of new equipment in advance of the time frame that allowed for the restoration of the fire damaged premises in Clara.

“This news is undoubtedly a disappointment to the immediate economy of Clara, but I do welcome the fact that the company has respectfully agreed that job offers would be prioritised for those let go following the fire last January,” he explained.

Deputy Cowen said “new enterprise needs to be established in Clara to replace the loss of jobs as a result of this latest news. The existing owners of the premises damaged by fire in January have commenced reconstruction at the site. It is a fine standalone premises that offers ample space for companies considering investing in the Midlands region.”

He wants to see the Government doing more to protect small towns like Clara from losing further jobs. “The Government needs to put in place a dedicated unit in the IDA tasked with attracting new investment into Offaly,” he remarked.

Deputy Cowen gave a commitment to contact Enterprise Ireland and the IDA in order to seek alternative employment for Clara.