Dell to shed 250 jobs in Ireland

Michael Dell founded the firm when a college student

Computer company Dell is to reduce its Irish workforce by about 250 people.

The job losses will be mainly in the areas of finance, IT, marketing, sales and technical support.

About 180 to 200 of these jobs will be lost at Dell's Cherrywood plant in south Dublin and the remainder in Limerick.

In a statement, Dell said it regretted the impact of the move, but was confident the changes would position Dell strongly for future growth.

Staff were informed about the job losses, which will be compulsory, at a meeting with senior management on Tuesday.

The development comes after the company's plan to cut 10% of its worldwide workforce. Dell employs 4,500 people in Ireland.

It is thought that slowing US consumer demand for new computers amid its faltering economy are to blame for the job cuts.