Athlone, Ireland

PPD is expanding into Athlone, Ireland to meet growing client demand. The new site will initially include a cGMP analytical testing laboratory, which will offer testing services in method development as well as validation, stability and quality control testing.

PPD expects to create up to 250 jobs at the facility, including Ph.D.-level scientists and analytical lab staff. The facility is scheduled to begin operations by the second half of 2009.

Read more about the future PPD facility.

• The 2008-2012 Business Environment Ranking of the Economist Intelligence Unit, the business information arm of The Economist Group, placed Ireland 11th out of 82 countries, naming it as one of the most attractive business locations in the world..

• The pharmaceutical sector makes a significant contribution to the generation of wealth in Ireland and has experienced significant growth in recent years, according to IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Agency). In 2007, exports of pharmaceuticals and chemicals from Ireland accounted for 49 percent of all Irish exports. The sector employs about 17,000 people.

• There are 32 FDA-approved manufacturing plants in Ireland and six out of 10 of the world’s top-selling drugs are produced in the country, according to IDA Ireland.

• The overall tax burden in Ireland is the lowest among the European Union member states, according to IDA. Ireland has also one of the youngest populations in Europe with more than 36 percent of residents under the age of 25.

• Athlone is the commercial and industrial capital of the Midlands Region with an urban population of about 20,000. Athlone is located on the banks of the River Shannon about 80 miles west of Dublin.

• Athlone is the regional center for several state and semi-state organizations. They contribute substantially to the business life of the town.

• Multiple primary and secondary schools exist within a 10- to 15-mile area in and around Athlone. The town is also home to the Athlone Institute of Technology, which graduates about 1,700 students a year.

• Athlone offers various cultural and social events and festivals, such as season performances by Athlone Little Theatre, Passionfruit Theatre, Athlone Musical Society, Athlone Chorale and the Athlone Barbershop Group. The All Ireland Drama Festival, local and traveling productions, and concerts and exhibitions are hosted in the Dean Crowe Theatre & Arts Centre.

• Athlone boasts many visitor attractions and historical sites, including the Athlone Castle and the monastery of Clonmacnoise.

• Leisure facilities include the Regional Sports Centre, golf courses, horseback riding and racing sites, tennis courts, rowing and sailing facilities, hockey rinks, and camogie, rugby, soccer and gaelic football fields. Indoor facilities include gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, badminton courts, pool halls and indoor soccer fields.

For additional information on Ireland and Athlone, please visit the following Web sites:

IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Agency)
Enterprise Ireland
Ireland.com
Discover Ireland
Tourism Ireland
Athlone Town Council
Athlone Chamber of Commerce
Westmeath County Council
Athlone.ie