Almost 4,800 jobs were created in industry, tourism and services in the Shannon region during the past year, according to results for 1997 from Shannon Development.

According to Shannon Development's chief executive, Mr Paul Sheane, the figure means the goal of 23,000 jobs set for the region between 1995 and the end of 2000 is on target.

"Given that each of these 2,400 direct jobs yields at least one additional indirect job in the services sector," he said "this means that approximately 4,800 additional people will be employed in 1997".