Medical device maker Boston Scientific is to invest €26 million in research and development at its Co Tipperary facility.

The investment will enable the company to significantly expand its R&D and technical capabilities towards the design of its next-generation cardiac rhythm management devices, which are manufactured at its Clonmel plant.

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.

It established its operation in Ireland in 1994 and is one of the country's largest employers, with operations in Clonmel, Galway and Cork.

The new investment, which was announced by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton this morning, is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland.

"This local funding will benefit our cardiology, rhythm and vascular group by enhancing our ability to provide R&D, design and manufacturing support for our leading medical device technologies. I am confident that, with the talent and expertise of our Clonmel staff, we can continue to successfully commercialise new life-saving innovations for our customers and their patients worldwide,? said Brad Sorenson, vice president of operations for Boston Scientific