Boston Scientific has confirmed that it will be cutting its workforce in Galway, where it is the region's largest employer.
The multinational, which manufactures medical devices, would not specify how many posts were at stake yesterday nor where the reductions might take place.
However, it is understood that most of the posts at risk are in the Galway plant in Ballybrit, where it has 3,500 staff.
The company employs a total of 5,000 Irish staff at bases in Galway, Cork, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Tullamore, Co Offaly and Clonmel, Co Tipperary. It employs 18,000 people worldwide.
Talks between management and staff have been taking place this week in Galway with intense global competition cited as the main reason for its decision to reduce costs, primarily in research and development.
A company statement said it understood the "impact these reductions will have on our employees and we are committed to helping ease the transition".
It said the majority of the cuts involved non-manufacturing jobs in the US and its core commitment to Ireland remained strong.
