Taoiseach welcomes Allergan jobs boost as critical to recovery

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 13:46

THE announcement that Allergen is investing $350 million at its site in Westport, with the creation of 200 new jobs, has been welcomed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Attending the announcement yesterday (Monday), he said it was great news for the people of Westport, Mayo and for Ireland.

He said: “This expansion will result in the creation of approximately 200 jobs in development and manufacturing, with an additional 250 more during the construction phase.

“It is a fantastic vote of confidence in Ireland, Allergen Ireland and its local team that Allergen would choose Westport for the construction of a new biologics manufacturing facility and an extension of the development facilities.

“This news will breathe new life and hope into an area that has become more accustomed to negative economic news in recent times. This success will be built upon as we attract new investment into the regions.

“Allergan has made a huge contribution to Westport and the west of Ireland since it started manufacturing here in 1977.

“It has invested on average $24 million on capital projects in Ireland over the past five years and currently employs over 900 people here in Westport and Dublin.

“Allergan is a vibrant and vital part of the community here in Westport.

“As Taoiseach and as a public representative for Mayo, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Allergan for the contribution it has made to Westport and to Ireland.

“The government has prioritised pharmaceutical and biotechnology research as an area to provide additional assistance.

“The contribution of these sectors to the Irish economy is already very significant.

“The results speak for themselves. We have eight of the world’s top 10 medical technology companies located here.

“We are the world’s largest net exporter of pharmaceuticals. Medical and pharmaceutical related exports were worth around €43.2 billion to the Irish economy last year, nearly half of all exports, and the sector employs tens of thousands across the country.

“My government is fully committed to doing everything we can to support these sectors to grow further.

“It is important to recognise that these sectors not only generate revenue and create much needed jobs for Ireland, but also contribute significantly to the health and well being of the global population.

“I know that Allergan’s products, for example, help millions of patients see more clearly, move more freely and express themselves more fully.

“And I know that this good work and innovation will continue here in Mayo with this announcement.

“As everyone is well aware, this positive announcement is against a backdrop of economic crisis.

“The new government is doing everything within its power to bring the public finances back under control and to advance new policies for job creation nationwide. On both fronts we are making progress.”

Local TD and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, described the 200 jobs confirmed at Allergan as a ‘fantastic boost for Westport and Mayo’.

He said: “This is great news for the town and for the whole county, and a vote of confidence in the workforce at Allergan.

“These 200 high-end jobs will be created over the next four years, and there will be another 250 or so indirect jobs during the construction period. This is fantastic news for job creation in the area.

“Allergan is an excellent employer in Westport, with a loyal and experienced workforce. The news of this expansion project in these difficult economic times is extremely welcome. The multi-million euro investment will expand the manufacturing capacity at the site, as well as its development facilities.

“These pharmaceutical jobs are just the sort of positions we need to be creating in Westport. There is also enough space on the site to allow the facility to expand further in the future.

“This government is determined to create jobs, and we will continue to work with companies like Allergan to ensure that we can all get Ireland working again.”

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary has welcomed the announcement, stating: “This is fantastic news not just for Westport and Mayo, but also for the entire western region.

“This announcement boosts Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research. Allergan’s vote of confidence in Mayo and in its Irish base will help attract further investment from similar multinational firms into the future.”