Ireland North & West MEP Marian Harkin today (15 October) said that Stiefel Laboratories' decision to maintain its manufacturing facility in Sligo is "an extremely important outcome for the local economy".

"In the current economic situation - where unemployment levels continue to rise and are now standing at 15% - this is truly welcome news", she added.

Harkin noted that "the plant was previously due to close, therefore parent company GSK's decision to maintain 120 staff as well as invest an additional €10m in the facility can be taken as a major vote of confidence in Sligo's economic potential".

"With timely support from the IDA, Stiefel will turn towards the production of consumer and skincare products, hopefully increasing its job creation potential in the region and helping to put Sligo on the international map," the Independent MEP concluded.