A County Antrim business owner has criticised the lack of support he received from Invest NI, which has resulted in him opening a new based in the Republic.

County Donegal is now set to gain 135 new jobs, when Randox Laboratories opens its new diagnostic and research facility in Dungloe.

Company Director Peter Fitzgerald blamed Invest NI's "level of bureaucracy" for the factory's decision to invest across the border.

According to Invest NI the company had not provided them with any proposals for a new manufacturing plant.

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An Invest NI spokesperson told the BBC: "Randox is an important client in a sector which Invest NI is seeking to grow and have always indicated that we are keen to work with them to support future growth at the Crumlin site,"

"Invest NI has made a number of substantial offers of support in recent years, including one of £16m."

Dr Fitzgerald discussed several barriers he had experienced when attempting to set up a new factory in the Province.

He highlighted the level of information that is requested in NI, compared to that requested by official in the Republic, Dr Fitzgerald said he believed it was "very high" and in some cases "unnecessary".

"It's closed down our ability to create jobs in the north," he added.

The Randox Laboratories factory in Crumlin currently employs around 600 people.

See: Dungloe Gaeltacht Jobs Boost Announced

(PR/JM)