An attempt to save the research centre did not succeed

An attempt to save the research centre did not succeed

Ireland’s Polymer Development Centre in Athlone has ceased operations with effect from February 13, after a possible rescue bid did not materialise. The likely closure was signalled late last year following the withdrawal of support from Enterprise Ireland. A proposed rescue involving a buy-out by employees backed by investment from individuals working within the plastics industry had been withdrawn, the organisation said.

PDC was Ireland’s only independent research centre outside of the country’s universities and employed nine people. Some of these will be redeployed by Enterprise Ireland and the others are being made redundant.

First Polymer Training, which was set up by Ireland’s Plastics Industries Association in 2000 and is chaired by Pat Whyte of Screentech will continue to be based at the Athlone premises. FPT is now running as many as ten specialist courses and training some 300 people a year.