Abbott Laboratories announce 700 new jobs

Abbott Laboratories is to create 700 new jobs in plants in Galway and Cavan.

The healthcare company is establishing a research and development centre and expanding its production facilities in Galway.

Almost 180 new jobs will be created within three years, with up to 600 in five years.

The Chicago based healthcare firm, one of the world's top ten, is also announcing an €88m investment in Cootehill, Co Cavan, which will create 100 jobs.

Abbott Laboratories first came to Ireland in 1946 when it established a marketing company in Dublin.

It now employs up to 1,800 people in Sligo, Donegal, Galway and Cootehill.