At least 65 jobs will be created in Co Laois following the opening of a new business park, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said yesterday.

The announcement comes on the back of the recent disbanding of the Laois jobs task force and was welcomed by the Tánaiste as a "much needed boost" for the region.

Located just outside Mountmellick, the Bayroad business park currently spans 15,000 sq ft but a planning application has already been lodged to add a further 70,000 sq ft following expressions of interest from a number of businesses.

Owenass Developments, the company behind the new park, said Bayroad was one of the fastest growing industrial centres in the county.

Opening the park for business, Ms Harney commented: "This is a much need boost for the town of Mountmellick and is a significant development for the local economy. Co Laois is is one of the most strategically located counties in Ireland."

She was "delighted to see that Mountmellick, which was formerly known for its prosperous industries due to it location, has received this well-deserved development".

To date, one company, Lifestyle Mobility, which provides equipment for disabled people, is operating from the business park.