The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, has announced a £5.25 million (€6.6 million) investment and the creation of 81 new jobs in three Sligo companies. Speaking in Sligo yesterday, Ms Harney said the county was a priority area for new jobs.

Basta, which manufactures internal door locks, handles and window stays and fasteners, has announced that it will employ 60 new workers over the next three years. This will bring its total workforce to 169. The company is currently undergoing a £2.75 million expansion of its production facilities.

Avenue Mouldmaking, which specialises in the design and manufacture of multicavity injection moulds, has plans to recruit an extra 11 people in a £1.5 million expansion at Finisklin. A further 10 jobs will be created at Gilroy Tile Design at Grange. It manufactures wall and floor tiles and employs 23 people.