In some good news for the struggling Irish economy, US medical device maker Allergan will be investing $350 million in order to expand its facilities for the manufacturing of Botox in the west of Ireland.
The investment will help create nearly 200 jobs for construction of the new facilities and will boost Allergan’s total Irish workforce number to 1,100.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny described the expansion plans as a “fantastic vote of confidence” by the company, not alone in Mayo and Westport, but in Ireland.”
Reuters reports that new uses for the Botox drug, including migraine relief and overactive bladder relief, will send the drug into the “next frontier.”
“We anticipate that demand for Botox will continue to grow, fuelled by recent approvals of the product," said Pat O'Donnell, managing director of Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland.
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The new construction of facilities is expected to generate 200 jobs for builders and suppliers, Reuters reported. The good news comes just shortly after a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions, who reported dismal findings about the Irish public’s attitude toward 2012 financially.
Reuters goes on to say that the Irish economy relies heavily on export-led growth for the future. Ireland has become a hub for multinational companies that are attracted by its low corporate tax rate and an educated, English-speaking workforce.
8 of the 10 world’s largest drugs companies already have established bases in Ireland, and US companies account for over a quarter of Irish economic output annually.
“Ireland's investment authority had a record year in 2011 attracting 148 investments and creating 13,000 jobs,” said Reuters.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Taiwanlight | Jun 27, 2012, 11:29 AM EDT
RockNReel As it happens, I teach English in Allergan in Taiwan and this very topic came up this week. One of my students suffers from migraine and she told me she has tried her own company's product. It's quite helpful she said. I don't know all the details but my educated guess is that it would be injected. I suggest you google Allergan and get an email address. I'm sure they'll be happy to answer any questions you put to them. I haven't looked but I would guess wikipedia might also have useful info on Botox. Hope this helps.
PatriciaMarya | Jan 11, 2012, 01:49 PM EST
Hey IrelandNorth: really enjoying reading your comments because they are so in synch with mine! I read your response to the piece on the death of the young marine from his father's point of view. I will be lookig for your comments from now on! (Love the term "soup cooler" lips.)
IrelandNorth | Jan 11, 2012, 06:00 AM EST
Does this mean we'll all be going around with 'soup-coolers lips' (which I believe is unconsciously designed to simulated a state of sexual arousal in the female, as with red or purple lipstick). Free botox for all Irish citizens on the Medical Card. Will Pfizer being doing likewise with Viagra. Stop the world, I wanna get off!
oldboreen | Jan 11, 2012, 04:29 AM EST
let's hope that this is just the start of a new influx of foreign investment into Ireland!
sirpeter | Jan 10, 2012, 01:09 PM EST
RockNReel.Google is your friend.
Murph46 | Jan 10, 2012, 12:00 PM EST
Hey Loyal $350 Mill,200 jobs !
canadianirish | Jan 10, 2012, 11:42 AM EST
This is splendid news!!!
RockNReel | Jan 10, 2012, 10:10 AM EST
Is there any proof that botox works for migrane? -just wondering as I know someone who suffers really badly with this . How would it be administered ?