The fallout from the sudden closure of 15 businesses throughout the north west operated by members of the well-known McCormack business family from Leitrim is now beginning to emerge.
With the businesses — shops, garages, car sales rooms, filling stations and an oil depot — shut by receivers, more than 200 people are now out of work.
The closures will also affect customers, suppliers and other service-providers.
The affect of the sudden closure by receivers of the McCormack businesses is widespread.
One elderly woman who had placed a deposit on a new car told Ocean FM of her situation:
The manner in which the McCormack business was suddenly shut down has come in for strong criticism.
Notices were slapped on the front of many of the McCormack facilities, stating that trading had ceased and receivers Grant Thornton had been appointed as managers.
Shutters were pulled down and gates closed with security personnel preventing or controlling entry to businesses.
Arriving customers were shocked on realising what had happened.
The feeling of many were summarised by the Fianna Fail spokesperson on employment and small business, Sligo/Leitrim TD Eamon Scanlon.
He says the manner in which receivers are appointed, and come in and close places down is something that needs to be addressed.
