Nine multinationals employing 5,000 people in a Cork town say they are “deeply frustrated” that the concerns of the local community were “ignored” by planners designing a new motorway.

Residents and major industries in Ringaskiddy are united in their opposition to the proposed M28 motorway route as it will sever the Co Cork harbourside village.

A €28 million pharmaceutical plant that will create up to 60 jobs opened in Cork yesterday.

Italian pharmaceutical group Recordati is to create 60 jobs through a €28m investment in Ireland.