Naughten welcomes job boost for Monksland

In Jobs, South Roscommon by Denis Naughten

Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the announcement by Alexion Pharma Ireland that it is to create 40 new jobs in an existing building adjoining Alkermes Pharmaceuticals in Monksland, Athlone.

This announcement comes on top on the imminent commencement of construction of a new pharmaceutical plant by Jazz Pharma on a 17 acre site in Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, which will have 50 long-term jobs as well as 40 jobs during construction.

Both of these developments are as a direct result of support from Alkermes. Although it has been in the process of laying off staff, the company has now announced a new €20m investment on the Monksland site over three years to enhance the state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility.

medicineIt is now hoped that the Alkermes investment along with its association with both Alexion Pharma and Jazz Pharma, will lead to the development of the Monksland area as a new bio-pharmaceutical hub in the midlands.

“Alexion Pharma will be a welcome addition to employment in County Roscommon and comes on top of recent developments by Athlone Laboratories in Ballymurray, Roscommon and the consistent and important work in this sector by Arran Chemicals in Monksland,” stated Denis Naughten.

“These developments show that there is a long-term commitment to the South Roscommon area and I hope that it augers well for sourcing a new tenant for the advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Roscommon Town.

“This positive news has the potential to provide hope to over 200 staff losing their jobs in Covidien and Alkermes due to changes in the manufacturing of their produce range in Athlone,” concluded Denis Naughten.