DONEGAL is set to lose its link with Oatfields sweet factory, sources have told donegaldaily.com.
Yesterday we revealed the factory’s owners have struck a deal to sell the Letterkenny premises to German supermarket giant Lidl.
Informed sources confirmed our story – that the site is to be sold to Lidl – and the last 15 jobs will go, bringing to an end an 80-year association with the town.
The Mayor Gerry McMonagle said there is a ”growing frustration and anger” amongst the workforce with their employers’ refusal to clarify for the workforce where the future of the plant lay.
Zed Candy and Donegal Creameries are joint owners of the site. They are refusing to say anything – as their massive property deal worth €1.9M is subject to Lidl getting planning permission.
“There is a sad reluctance amongst the workforce that they are to lose their jobs,” Cllr McMonagle said.
”Some of those at the meeting have been working at Oatfields for 40 years and are now very angry at how their loyalty is being repaid.”
Oatfield sweets have been manufactured in Letterkenny for more than 80 years.
Zed Candy bought the Oatfield brand from McKinney and Co.
Lidl’s move to open a second store in the town is a response to their rivals Aldi which opened a second store just before Christmas.
The supermarket wars could erupt further if Tesco gets the go ahead for a new entrance to its store.
A new Lidl however on the sweet factory site could cause more concerns over traffic in the area.
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