Government invests €3.5 million in new Bio-Pharma Process Training Facility at Carrigaline, Co. Cork

Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, this evening (Thursday 8^th September 2005) announced that the Government will invest €3.5 million in a new Bio Pharma Process Training Facility. The new facility, which will provide “hands-on” practical training, is to be established in Carrigaline, Co. Cork.

Making the announcement Minister Martin said “The establishment of this new facility is further recognition by this Government of the importance of the bio-pharmaceutical and medical devises sectors to the Irish economy. With over 20,000 people now employed and an annual increase of approximately 1,500 per annum from 2000 to 2004 it is clear that Ireland remains a location of choice for pharmaceutical and bio-pharma producers. The establishment of this new facility is another important step in improving our capability to continue to provide the training and supply of quality skilled operatives and craftspersons to these sectors.”

“Locating the new facility in Cork is a reflection of the high concentration of pharmaceutical and bio-pharma companies in the Southern Region with 23 plants in the Cork area and in Munster a total of 40 plants. FAS will work closely with local industry and UCC and CIT in providing quality training to the bio-pharma sector ”, the Minister added.

“It is significant that the establishment of this new training facility closely follows last weeks announcement that the Government is to provide in excess of €72 million funding to establish a National Institute for Bioprocessing, Research and Training (NIBRT). This industrially focused Institute, which will be only one of a small number of its kind in the world, is being funded to build a world-class research platform in bioprocessing technologies and state of the art education and training,” Minister Martin concluded.

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