Fine Gael TD Michael Noonan has said the entire Limerick economy will be decimated if Dell closes down.

Deputy Noonan wants the government to make clear the future of Dell in Limerick despite repeated statements from the company that it is business as usual in Raheen.

Around 3,000 workers and their families are facing into a winter of uncertainty over the future of their jobs as the computer giant continues to search for a reduction in costs.

Yesterday high ranking Dell officials met with Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in Dublin with further meetings planned in the coming weeks.

Deputy Noonan said confidential meetings are normal but there comes a time when the Government must act.

'It's not feasible to be tip-lipped for six months because the uncertainty grows, the rumours spread and it's a bad situation for everybody.

'This has to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion and I believe that Minister Mary Coughlan has an absolute responsibility to preserve the jobs of the Dell workers in Limerick,' he said.