Limerick received a major jobs boost this week with the announcement that American biopharm-aceuticals firm Regeneron is to create 300 new jobs.
A planning application is expected to be lodged this week with Limerick County Council for the proposed €300 million investment programme which includes the construction of a quality control laboratory and the major refurbishment of existing buildings, including former Dell facilities which have been vacant since 2009. Subject to planning approval from the local authority, this development will transform the 11.88 hectare site at Raheen Business Park into a world-class bio-pharmaceutical campus.
Construction and refurbishment is expected to commence in 2014, employing up to 600 temporary construction jobs after which the company has indicated that it expects to employ up to 300 highly skilled people full time by the end of 2016
Welcoming the announce-ment, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr. John Sheahan said “The significance of this announcement for the wider region cannot be overstated as it sends out a clear message to other prospective investors that Limerick and the midwest is an attractive and viable location for investment. This is evidenced by the fact that Regeneron’s move represents its first major expansion outside the United States and is regarded as strategically important to the company.” See further reaction on Page 69.