Ambitious scheme in Ireland to create 4,500 pharma research jobs, reportedly backed by Saudi government

An ambitious plan is afoot to create 4,500 pharmaceutical research jobs in Ireland’s Co Kerr, with talks in progress with the government of Saudi Arabian government about funding the entire cost of the 4.7 billion-euro ($6.13 billion) project, the Irish Times reported yesterday. The country has recently seen a spate of job cuts in the pharmaceutical sector, as a result of cost-cutting moves by leading multinationals (The Pharma Letter September 14).

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen has lent his support to the plan to create the large place of employment in Ireland and the biggest pharmaceutical research centre in the world on an industrial park in Tralee. Mr Cowen said the proposed Global Pharmaceutical Centre of Excellence could rely on the “supportive engagement” of the State enterprise agencies to help bring the project to fruition.

The center, which already employs 65 people, said it was finalizing plans for a planning application to Kerry County Council for a 1.2 million sq ft facility in the Kerry Technology Park in Tralee. It plans to open in February 2013, subject to planning and other permissions.