200 jobs are to be created in Co Westmeath by a US pharmaceutical research company.
Pharmaceutical Product Development is to set up a base at the IDA Garrycastle Business and Technology Park in Athlone.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen formally announced the €14m investment this morning.
It comes days after the firm announced a major expansion into the Asian market.
Executives from PPD were in Athlone this morning to confirm details of the jobs.
The firm employs more than 8,000 workers in 27 countries helping to coordinate clinical trials for some of the world's top drug manufacturers.
The Irish operation fits neatly into the IDA's pharmaceutical portfolio already set up in the midlands.
Recruitment of staff for the new operation will get under way next year.
