IDA created 25,000 jobs last year

Nearly 25,000 jobs have been created with the help of the IDA last year, the highest number ever recorded.

However, it has been warned that 2001 is due to be a slower year with a severe down turn in the US economy.

The IDA is also expected to change its strategy from simply creating jobs to creating well-paid jobs in specific areas of the economy.

The authority will initially target Sligo, Athlone and Waterford in particular and it is also due to move at least one third of its staff to these regions.