A Kildare-based wind and solar energy company is to create 50 jobs over the next three years with the establishment of its new manufacturing operation for wind turbines.

Natural Power Company said the new facility would result in at least 50 highly-skilled positions and said up to 250 jobs at local suppliers in the area could be secured too.

"This is an important step in establishing Ireland as a leading player in the wind energy industry," said Ross Murphy, managing director of the Natural Power Company. "The impact of the new facility will be felt not only in our exports but also in the ongoing development of capacity and technical expertise in Ireland."

The Natural Power Company, which is already a licensed manufacturer of 500kW turbines from Turbowinds, has also been given the licence to manufacture the company's T500-48 500kW utility grade wind turbines.

Turbowinds president Jean-Pierre Dutry said the deal was "exciting" and would "substantially increase" the company's presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland.