A new pharmaceutical facility is to be developed in Monksland with the potential to create up to 300 new jobs.
It is understood that the development, which will be named PriMe6, will create up to 100 jobs during the construction phase, with the prospect of at least 300 more once it is operational.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, said it is hoped to have some of the jobs in place by next year, and that there have already been several expressions of interest from entities within and outside of Ireland in locating there.
The layout of the facility offers the prospect of up to seven pharmaceutical companies sharing a collaborative space in the form of a state-of-the-art clean room, while also allowing them to operate independently.
Speaking about the new development, Minister Naughten referred to Monksland as the “biopharmaceutical centre of Ireland” and lauded the potential offered by the new facility.
“PriMe6 has the potential to attract 300 jobs at a minimum to this area,” he said. “I have been working with the team behind PriMe6 for the last two years, and we’re hoping to attract new investment into the Midlands, and here into County Roscommon, to create more jobs locally, attract additional investment, and have long-term sustainable jobs in the local community.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway, Eugene Murphy, welcomed the announcement: “It is really good news,” he said. “The potential for 300 jobs, if they come online, is a really good announcement and is most welcome. It is exactly what we need down this side of the country. It is all about having jobs for people in the region, and I really hope this project does develop to its full potential.”
