Business people in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim are calling on the government and IDA to find alternative financial companies to replace MBNA, which is closing with the loss of 160 jobs.

MBNA is a subsidiary of Bank of America and is closing its call centre there at the end of November. But locals say there are other businesses recruiting in Carrick-on-Shannon, so there is hope for staff being made redundant.

MBNA announced yesterday that it is moving its call centre operation to the UK and 160 people will lose their jobs.

It says the proposal follows a comprehensive review of its customer contact centre operations in Ireland and the UK.

CEO Ian O'Doherty said their business is now UK-focused and serves UK customers - so they are proposing to align their resources to the market in which they operate.

Businessman - and former TD and Senator - Gerry Reynolds says it is a setback for the town, and the government needs to prioritise the area for future investment.

While the vice president of the Carrick-on-Shannon chamber of commerce, Colin McGrath, says although workers are shocked there is hope for them.

And the managing director of Contact Centre Management Association, Dorothy O'Bryne, says her organisation is now looking for other jobs for the workers, who want to stay in that area of work.