Novo Nordisk confirms €1.55m purchase of council land for expansion

Multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has confirmed that it has purchased council land in Monksland for €1.55 million to facilitate an expansion to the company in Athlone.

Danish firm Novo Nordisk completed the purchase of the Alkermes site in Athlone for $92.5 million in May, and the latest land purchase will allow for future expansion plans.

At the monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council on Monday, July 22, the disposal of land comprising of 4.52 hectares to Novo Nordisk Production Ireland Ltd was agreed, having been proposed by Cllr John Naughten and seconded by Cllr John Keogh.

Cllr Naughten said: “I think it's a very welcome development for Monksland and South Roscommon and the region... I think there's huge potential on this site going forward and I'm delighted to propose it here today.”

Cllr Keogh agreed with Cllr Naughten, and added that “This is significant not only for the Monksland area but for the county of Roscommon as a whole, to have the likes of Nova Nordisk in our county. There's huge potential for job creation, not only in the area of Athlone and the south of the county, but also further in the county with that company. I know that they have ambitious plans for the years ahead.”

Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council said “I think it's a very wise move to dispose of this land. This company is a major player in South Roscommon and in Monksland, as are all those pharmaceutical companies. It's our business to ensure the full support to them as they develop lands that create jobs, create employment and create economic development in the county.”

A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk confirmed these plans: “The land purchased would support our newly acquired Athlone plant. The facility in Monksland, Athlone has given Novo Nordisk access to a fully-equipped facility with additional development and manufacturing capacity for current and future oral products.”