Cork received a welcome boost yesterday with an announcement by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, that almost 300 jobs are to be created in four IDA-supported investments in the city and county.
The Tánaiste was in Cork to perform the official opening of a new multi-million euro centre for Schlumberger, a global technology services company based in Little Island.
Schlumberger, which has been operating in Cork since last year, currently employs 75 people. The firm has pledged to double its workforce to 150 by the end of 2003.
Ms Harney also confirmed that pharmaceutical company Altana plans to invest €70 million in an initial phase to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork.
Altana Pharma AG, based at Konstanz, Germany, is one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Europe.
Recruitment will begin this year with the main recruitment drive beginning in 2004.
Up to 70 people will be employed by 2005, with the balance of 80 new jobs being filled for 2006 when pharmaceutical production for market supply is expected to start.
The manufacturing operation in Cork will produce Pantoprazol tablets, which are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Speaking in Cork yesterday, Ms Harney said Ireland had won the Altana investment against intense competition from several locations around the world.
Minelab Electronics Ltd, an Australia- based developer and manufacturer of metal-sensing technology products, is to invest over €1.7 million in the expansion of its existing facility in Bandon, Co Cork.
Minelab will create 42 new jobs by the end of 2005 and a further six jobs over the following two years.
M/A Com Eurotec BV in Blackrock, Cork, a manufacturer of wireless devices, also plans to increase their R&D team of engineers from 25 to 43 in the next year.