Pfizer has said it made the “difficult decision” to cut around 100 jobs at its plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The pharmaceutical company confirmed the proposed reductions are due to “an anticipated reduction in volume requirements and changes to the small molecule operations at the site.”
“Pfizer continuously evaluates its manufacturing network to ensure capacity is effectively utilised based on patient needs, projected product demand, and long-term business objectives,” the company said.
“Reducing jobs is always the very last resort and we have been doing all we can to minimise the impact on our people.”
The company said the proposed cuts are expected to impact staff at the Ringaskiddy site during the final quarter of 2026.
It outlined that it is engaging with employees and their representatives as part of the process.
“We are actively engaging with colleagues and their representatives, and all job-related decisions will be made with transparency, respect, and in compliance with all applicable laws,” the company said.
Pfizer also pointed to its longstanding presence in Ireland, noting that its operations in the country form a key part of its global manufacturing network.
The firm added that it has invested more than $10 billion in Ireland since first establishing operations in 1969.
Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector remains a central pillar of the country’s export economy, with goods exports from the industry estimated to have reached €139 billion in 2025, accounting for approximately 53% of total Irish goods exports.
At the time of writing, the Government had not issued a statement on the planned job losses. The Department of Enterprise has been contacted for comment.
Pfizer ranks among Ireland’s most significant employers and stands as the foremost investor and workforce provider within the pharmaceutical industry.
Having established its presence in the country in 1969, it was one of the earliest pharmaceutical firms to do so and has since built a long-standing record of growth and innovation spanning more than five decades.
Today, the company employs over 4,500 people across four sites in Cork, Dublin, and Kildare. Its Irish operations are wide-ranging, encompassing manufacturing, research and development, and more.
The news of job losses comes the same week the Department of Finance released its Spring Economic Statement, which revised down the economy’s growth projections but is forecasting a significant increase in the Government’s budgetary surplus.
The department indicated that a general government surplus of €9.2 billion is now expected – a notable rise from the €5.1 billion surplus projected on budget day last year.
This improvement is driven by factors such as stronger corporation tax receipts, higher revenue in the social insurance fund, and more.