EXHIBIT 23




                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  333-40151)  pertaining  to the Fourth  Amended and Restated  1989 Stock
Option Plan of Silgan  Holdings Inc. of our report dated January 29, 2002,  with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Silgan Holdings
Inc.  included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December 31,
2001.


                                              /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Stamford, Connecticut
March 28, 2002