Taoiseach opens Murdoch print plant

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has opened a €75m printing facility for Rupert Murdoch's News International group.

The plant in Kells, Co Meath, prints the Irish Sun, The Times, The Irish News of the World and The Sunday Times for the whole of Ireland.

It's a joint venture between News International and a subsidiary of Irish printing and packaging group Jefferson Smurfit.

The plant employs more than 100 people, and the workforce is expected to rise to 120 before the end of the year.

Mr Murdoch said: "Kells is very important to News International. This plant is a very real sign of our commitment to Ireland and to our Irish titles."

Mr Ahern said: "There is no doubt that the opening of this new high-tech printing plant is good news indeed - for the workers here and their families, as well as for News International and the Smurfit Group.

"With this opening today, Kells is moving into the high technology printing world of the 21st century. It becomes the production base for all of News International papers for the Irish market, north and south."

The Taoiseach said: "I am very pleased about that because it reflects confidence in our strong economy and in the historic opportunities which flow from the peace we enjoy thanks to the Good Friday Agreement."

Mr Ahern said: "I will continue to work with Prime Minister Tony Blair, the First and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland and the other parties to overcome the present difficulties and to realise the full potential of the peace process for both communities."