€100m is to be invested by Boston Scientific in its campus in Galway, in a move that is expected to enable up to 300 jobs to be created.

The medical device company is to add 40,000 square feet of new carbon neutral manufacturing space in Ballybrit that will be powered by renewable energy.

"This expansion reflects the important contributions of our workforce here in Galway and the strength of the broader business and local community in the west region," said James Lyons, vice president of Operations at Boston Scientific.

"In addition to the investment in our physical space, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can find opportunities to grow in their careers."

Through its three Irish sites in Clonmel, Cork, and Galway, Boston Scientific is the largest medical device employer in Ireland.

A long-term investor and employer in Galway, Boston Scientific has been operating in the city since 1994.

Then it started out with 30 employees, but today it currently employs 4,150 people there.

Activities at the Galway campus include advanced product design, research and development and manufacturing of a range of devices including heart stents and valves, vascular balloons and esophageal stents.

In total, more than four million devices are exported from there every year.

"Boston Scientific has a workforce of more than 6,500 people across its sites in Galway, Clonmel and Cork, making it the largest life sciences employer in Ireland," said Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland which has supported the investment.

"Today, Ireland has the highest per capita number of people employed in the European medical device industry."

"Boston Scientific is one of the leading global MedTech companies choosing to grow in Ireland and contribute to a vibrant industry sector, which has a key role to play in tackling the world's biggest healthcare challenges."

The news was also welcomed by the Taoiseach who said it reflects real confidence in the quality and talent of the Irish workforce.

In 2019 Boston Scientific opened another new facility at the site of the former Digital factory in Ballybrit, in an investment worth €60m.

Globally the company employs 41,000 people and sells into 115 countries, with sales last year of $11.9 billion.