US firm Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD) is to create 250 jobs over the next five years at a new research facility in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The IDA Ireland-supported development will see the company invest up to €14 million and the jobs will be for PhD scientists, laboratory staff and clinical development professionals. d
PPD worldwide workforce of over 8,000 staff in 27 countries and it conducts clinical trials for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the decision for PPD to choose Ireland for its development was "very significant for the midlands region and for the country as a whole".
PPD chief executive Fred Eshelman said the reasons the company decided to locate in the State was the "business-friendly environment" and the "highly skilled work force".
"The support from the Irish Government, in particular IDA Ireland, was a key factor in our decision to establish this strategic part of our business in Athlone," he said.
