A new start-up company BeoCare is to set up home in Killarney, Co Kerry, creating 48 jobs in the area over the next two years.

Announcing the development yesterday, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said that the new company, which has been created with the help of Enterprise Ireland, will develop and manufacture high-value medical products. It will also incorporate a substantial research and development facility.

Welcoming the establishment of BeoCare, Mr Martin said it was particularly significant that 10 of the 48 new jobs will be directly in research and development activities, an area Enterprise Ireland has been looking to expand.

"BeoCare's location in Killarney will not only create jobs in the local area, but also generate spin-off economic activities which are very important in promoting regional development," the Minister said.

BeoCare, which will target niche markets such as wound and orthopaedic care, as well as maternity and surgical support, was founded by Joseph Gallagher in October. Mr Gallaher, previously managing director of Danish group Tytex's Irish operations, has more than 20 year's international experience in the area of medical textiles.

So far this year, Enterprise Ireland has helped establish about 70 new firms with a particular focus on healthcare and life sciences.