210 have been announced for Athlone. Jazz Pharmaceuticals is to build a new manufacturing and development facility at Monksland just outside the town.

The investment is said to be worth up to €50 million and will create over 50 full-time jobs with 160 jobs during construction.

PharmaChemical Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the pharmaceutical and chemicals industry in Ireland, has welcomed the announcement.

PharmaChemical Ireland Director, Matt Moran, said "This investment, coming so soon after the announcements by Biomarin's 140 jobs, Regeneron's 300 jobs and Alexion's 50 new jobs, reflects a new wave of investment in high end biotech manufacturing. This very encouraging for the long term future of the sector in Ireland".

"As the global pharmaceutical sector transforms it is essential that Ireland stays at the cutting edge of this important industry" he added.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny says this is another example of Ireland continuing to be a very attractive location for foreign direct investment.