Bose Ireland Ltd has ceased production at its Co Monaghan plant after 37 years of operation. The US-based based audio speaker manufacturer announced in January it was closing the plant as part of a global restructuring process.

All efforts at Government and local level to find an alternative employer to locate in the Carrickmacross plant have so far failed.

It has also emerged that the plant is not owned by the IDA but is in private ownership, sparking fears that it may be more difficult to attract a replacement industry.

After negotiations between Bose human resource manager Barry Weaver and Siptu the original closing date was extended from April until yesterday.

It is understood that only about 20 of the workforce of 140 have secures alternative employment.