When the plant shut its doors on Thursday, 670 people were left out of work.

The council's chief executive, Liam Flanigan said officers are working hard to do what they can. Part of that is a jobs fair in November.

Limavady Borough Council has now lined up 20 employers to take part in the fair planned for November 6 at the local Radisson Hotel. The council has also been working with the Department for Employment and Learning with training needs for people who want to start up their own business.

Mr. Flanigan said a twin-pronged approach was needed to help Limavady.

“We need to continue to press Invest NI to look for oppportunities for investors to come in and we need to do what we can to bolster local businesses trying to get off the ground,” he said.

A total of 670 workers and dozens of agency and part time workers lost their jobs when the plant ceased production last Thursday.

It is understood 50 people have transferred to Seagate’s Derry plant while a further 50 have also found work elsewhere.

The Aghanloo operation opened in 1997, and was Limavady’s largest employer for 10 years.

Limavady Borough Council has also provided a link to counselling services for anyone suffering from depression and anxiety in the wake of the closure.

US investors

Limavady Sinn Fein Mayor Brenda Chivers believes the way forward is to get international business investors into the town.

She said: “We have a skilled workforce and we have the perfect facilities for anyone wanting to start up a business. Why shouldn’t Limavady get a piece of the pie?”

Colr. Chivers said it was a “worrying time”, with people losing their jobs every day and companies going out of business.

“This will have a big knock-on effect on the shops and the economy in general. people won’t be able to spend like they did before.”