The creation of more than 100 jobs at a healthcare company in Loughrea, Co Galway, was welcomed by the local business community yesterday as a "huge boost".
A total of 103 jobs are to be created at the Chanelle group, which manufactures human and veterinary medicines and currently employs about 200.
The jobs increase was the largest of 10 Enterprise Ireland-supported projects announced by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, involving the creation of 386 jobs over the next three years.
Ms Maura Winters, president of Loughrea Chamber of Commerce, said Chanelle was already the town's biggest employer, and local people were "delighted" it was to expand.
A total of €25 million is to be invested by Enterprise Ireland in the 10 projects announced by Ms Harney. The others are:
CP3 Software Solutions Ltd, Walkinstown, Dublin, (20 jobs);
Ecom Interaction Services Ltd, Clonakilty, Co Cork, (40);
Vistamed Ltd, Roosky, Co Leitrim, (30);
Legacy Web Services Ltd, Dublin, (17);
Steripack Limited, Clara, Co Offaly, (35);
Cape Technologies Ltd, Blackrock, Dublin, (71);
Aliope Ltd, Invent Centre, DCU, Dublin, (11);
Spring & Precision Engineering, Rosslare Road, Wexford, (32);
Lifestyle Furniture, Ballymacken, Portlaoise, Co Laois, (27).
Ms Harney, who is Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said all of the investments were made in the first three months of 2003.
She said they underlined the importance of indigenous enterprise to the Irish economy during what has been a difficult period, and also confirmed that Ireland maintained a competitive advantage in key sectors.
"We must build on this momentum and continue to encourage existing business and prospective new investors to strengthen the employment base of Irish industry
"In a difficult global trading environment, these companies have identified market opportunities and are prepared to invest substantial resources in responding to those opportunities."
