The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. have announced that Bord na Móna is to create 91 new jobs as part of a €6million R&D investment.

The posts will be allocated over the next three years with the support of government through Enterprise Ireland.

The announcement is part of Bord na Móna's ongoing innovation programme that has already seen recruitment commence for 20 high-tech positions, which are expected to be in place by March 2012. The 91 jobs announced today are in addition to these 20 positions, and will add to Bord na Móna's skilled, high-tech, graduate workforce.

Enterprise Ireland is supporting the work of the Innovation Division of Bord na Móna in a number of number of high technology growth areas such as Clean Technology, Carbon Reduction and Growing media.

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Bord na Móna has also announced a new strategy to collaborate with and mentor start-ups and SMEs in the Midlands region and have appointed an outreach development manager.

Minister Bruton said: "If we are to rebuild the economy and create the jobs we so badly need, we must create an indigenous engine of growth. A key part of my plan to support indigenous business and create sustainable jobs is picking winners – we must target supports at the sectors where we have advantages and the companies with potential, in order to create high-growth indigenous businesses which will drive future growth.

"Cleantech is a sector which we as a government are targeting for support, as we believe Ireland has distinct advantages and the capacity to be a pioneer in this area. Many people have talked about the potential of the sector. This announcement is about providing concrete supports to a large, successful State company to create real, high-end jobs in the sector. If we are ambitious and if we act decisively, I believe that we can create large numbers of jobs in this sector and I am determined to see that through."

Minister Rabbitte said: "This jobs announcement is a welcome boost for Newbridge and the Midlands region but it is also important as it represents significant R&D investment in one of Ireland’s most important firms.

"I congratulate the management team for their ambitious plans to redefine this historic company. Bord na Móna is an integral part of Ireland’s heritage and this investment in innovation ensures it will be integral to Ireland’s future as an innovation nation."

(CD)