Allergan expansion lauded as 'a vote of confidence' by Minister Ring

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, has welcomed the decision by Allergan to invest €63 million in its business in Ireland which will lead to the creation of 63 highly skilled roles in Westport. This will bring its Irish workforce to over 2,000.

The investment will lead to the creation of a new manufacturing suite at its biologics facility in Westport to provide the capability to introduce new product formats for Allergan’s flagship product, BOTOX.

The company is also upgrading its existing manufacturing capabilities and capacity to cater for the introduction of new eye care products due to launch in the coming years.

Speaking today, Minister Ring said: “This investment is a real vote of confidence in the western region. Allergan is a fantastic employer and it’s great to see it further cement its presence here in Mayo.

“Speaking as someone from Westport, Allergan has had a remarkably positive impact on the town and on the region. This announcement is further evidence of how the west can provide a wonderful environment for investors and employers. I commend Allergan for putting their trust in the west of Ireland.

“This announcement will result directly in new jobs for people in Mayo. This means more people being able to live in their own communities and not having to relocate or commute longer distances for work.”

Allergan operates four facilities in Ireland - two manufacturing operations, one in Westport and one at Clonshaugh, Dublin - as well as an international supply chain office in Dublin and a facility in Galway.

The Allergan Westport facility is the largest and most complex campus in the Allergan global network. The facility develops and manufactures a range of branded medicines, primarily for the export market.

Minister Ring continued: “Whatever way you look at it, Allergan has been good for Mayo and Ireland. A recent Economic Impact Assessment of Allergan’s operations in Ireland by EY indicates that this investment will contribute €26 million to Ireland’s GDP this year and deliver €8 million in exchequer revenue.

“Furthermore, in 2018, Allergan generated a GDP impact of €341 million and supported 3,660 jobs in Ireland’s economy, generating exchequer revenue of €84 million.”

Allergan is headquartered in Ireland and employs 2,055 in the country, where its roots stem back over 40 years. It has grown significantly since it first opened its Westport plant on a greenfield site in 1977.

This announcement builds on a €50 million investment in 2018 and €42 million in 2017.