Northern Ireland Office Minister Mr Paul Murphy has announced an additional £10 million sterling for the IDB in a list of spending priorities for Northern Ireland during 1998. Mr Murphy said that the extra funding was a response to "pressures for new investment."

"I am greatly encouraged by the continued interest shown by potential overseas investors," he said.

"We need more good quality projects creating lasting jobs, to help sustain improvements in the economy. The additional resources will bring the total funding available for industrial development next year to £115 million, and will allow the IDB to build on its successes."