Galway handed major jobs boost

Galway has been handed a jobs boost with the announcement 400 jobs will be created there over the next five years.

Medtronic, a leading medical technology company is to expand its facilities in the city.

Already 1,300 people are employed in the facility, which was originally established by C-R Bard in 1983. The latest investment comes with the support of IDA Ireland.

Recruitment for some of the new posts is already underway, as is the construction of the new facility at Parkmore, Business Park West.

The new jobs will require a mix of skills across a range of technology and science areas. 70% of them will be for people with secondary level qualifications, while the remainder will require third level education.

Tanaiste Mary Harney described today's announcement as one of the most important investments of its kind in Ireland.