Pharmaceuticals firm Roche Ireland is to invest £22 million (€27.93 million) in its plant at Clarecastle, Co Clare, next year, managing director Mr John Liddy said last night.

At a celebration to mark the company's 25th anniversary, Mr Liddy said 37 jobs had been created this year. The company was awarded an ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental safety by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera.

Employing more than 200 workers, the company produces Orlistat, the active ingredient for a new anti-obesity drug, Xenical, manufactured by its parent, Roche Corporation.