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Final efforts fail in bid to keep eBay in town
Wednesday, 31st August, 2016. Vol. 9, Issue 35 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
By Paul Byrne
Following weeks of talks between eBay officials and local representatives it now seems certain that eBay will leave Dundalk in the second quarter of 2017 and concentrate on their Irish headquarters in Blanchardstown. As late as Monday evening Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick met with officials from eBay to discuss what will happen to the company’s 150 strong workforce as well as pushing for the possibility of moving their operation elsewhere in the county. eBay confirmed last week that they would be leaving Dundalk following instruction from their landlords PayPal that they had been served their notice. "We can confirm that PayPal has served us notice as tenants of its Dundalk facili-
ty," an eBay spokesman said. "We will begin a formal consultation process with our colleagues in Dundalk and will share any further information with them as a matter of priority." eBay and PayPal had been partners since 2002 worldwide but both companies split last year meaning that PayPal took over the running of the building that both companies have been sharing. PayPal plan to expand their business in Dundalk which resulted in them asking their tenants eBay to leave. Local representatives have failed in attempts to convince eBay to use alternative premises around Dundalk and work will now begin to make sure the company's 150 employees find employment elsewhere. Continued on Page 2
Local musicians take Fleadh Cheoil by storm
The Comhaltas Craobh Dhún Dealgan group were placed 3rd in the 15-18 Grúpaí Cheoil competition at the recent Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis Dundalk musicians took the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann by storm when members of Comhaltas Craobh Dhún Dealgan (The Dundalk Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann) claimed five titles and three
third places. Not surprisingly, branch PRO and Ardchomhairle member Padraig Donlon stated that the level of success was beyond expectations. “In our branch we always ensure that our young
musicians are taught to play traditional music of a very high standard and while our members regularly feature among the prize winners at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this year was special. Full story on Page 7