Pipe systems manufacturer Wavin (Zwolle / The Netherlands; www.wavin.com) is reducing the size of its operation in Balbriggan / Ireland, with the loss of some 50 jobs. The decision, it says, is a direct result of the decline in the Irish construction market. Production capacity will be reduced, with the loss of an estimated 20 jobs, there will be consolidation of distribution operations and a reduction in the number of overhead functions, with 30 redundancies. Currently Wavin has 198 employees in Ireland. Trade unions have been informed of the intention to downsize and a formal consultation process has started with employees. Wavin expects the proposed changes to have been completed by the third quarter of 2008.