Tipperary town is coming to terms with the news that as many as 70 jobs, both direct and indirect, have been lost at the McDonald mushroom factory in Tipperary which has gone into receivership.

Staff were informed of the decision and the premises was closed with immediate effect.

Speaking to Tipperary Mid West Radio this afternoon, Donal McCarthy, a spokesperson for producer organisation CMP, which represents 50 mushroom business in Ireland and the UK has said that the decision to close the Knockanrawley-based factory was taken due the erosion of the industry’s earning capacity, caused in large part by a weakened sterling and the ramifications of the Brexit vote.

Mr McCarthy also said that the mushroom industry, which is dependent upon the UK market, is at present ‘under siege’.  He further warned that due to these factors the Tipperary town premises may just be the first casualty.  CMP represents a total of 12 such farms in Co Tipperary.

Commenting on the news, local TD Jackie Cahill has said that sector is under significant strain, adding that the government needs to support the industry ‘to transition to a post-Brexit world’.