Almost 200 jobs were axed today at a medical devices plant in the Midlands.

There are fears for 200 jobs at medical devices company in Co. Offaly.

Better news on the jobs front is expected as two companies are reportedly gearing up to announce significant expansions in the Dublin area.

Senior officials from the North's economic development agency were on their way to the US tonight to plead for the jobs of over 250 workers at a medical equipment company facing redundancy.