Tánaiste Unveils Foundation Stone for Wyeth Medica Ireland at Grange Castle International Business Park, Clondalkin

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 18th May 2001) officiated at the unveiling of the Foundation Stone for Wyeth Medica Ireland’s new campus at Grange Castle International Business Park.

Speaking at the Clondalkin site the Tánaiste said "The decision by the company to expand its operations in Ireland is a further indication of the company’s long term commitment to strengthen the position of the Irish operations within the overall global Wyeth corporation."

"The new facility supported by IDA Ireland will ultimately create 1300 new jobs at full production. This is a very significant investment, not just for the jobs and the other economic benefits which it will create, but because biotechnology is a new vein of industry where there are enormous opportunities," the Tánaiste added.

The investment in Grange Castle will establish a fully integrated biopharmaceutical facility from development through to finished product.

The Tánaiste said "Construction of this major new facility is well underway here in Grange Castle and the recruitment of key personnel for the project has commenced. I commend Wyeth for establishing a close working relationship with the local community and in particular the company’s links with the local schools and colleges to ensure that students understand the excellent career opportunities that will come on stream in Clondalkin in the next few years""

The Tánaiste welcomed in particular those who travelled from the US for today’s ceremony and congratulated all those involved in the success of the project to date. She said she looked forward to its continued development in the future.