Brian Heading said the Natural World Products scheme is "especially welcome" during a time of economic and industrial hardship.
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He is hopeful the development will help kick-start investment in the area and further afield.
"This facility is a perfect example of how local industry can be a leader of its field, as this will be the largest of its kind in Ireland," said Mr Heading.
"In the short to medium term, the creation of a dozen new jobs is a boost and will give the successful applicants a first-hand experience of working in one of Europe’s most advanced facilities thus growing knowledge and expertise within the local workforce."
(PR/GK)
