At the announcement were Liam McGovern, SMPL; Brendan Jennings, Enterprise Ireland; Ciaran Murtagh, SMPL; and Minister Richard Bruton TD.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD announced that Irish concrete products manufacturer Shay Murtagh Precast has created 41 new jobs supported by the government through Enterprise Ireland.

The company is also investing approximately €3m in technology for the production of precast concrete tunnel segments, it was announced yesterday Monday July 16.

Established in 1981, Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd is a second generation family business and one of Ireland's leading precast concrete production companies. The company has created the jobs to support its significant export-led growth. Exports account for more than 75% of the company's total sales.

Ciaran Murtagh, managing director of Shay Murtagh Precast, said: "The tunnel infrastructure sector has been a key area of focus for our company over the last number of years and we are delighted to be in a position today where we have not only created 41 new jobs, but more importantly secured the jobs of our existing 75 employees.

"We have invested a lot of energy in a strategic and focused expansion into the UK infrastructure market. This solid expansion plan has provided our company with a platform for the future and we look forward to continued support from Enterprise Ireland in our ongoing pursuit of new and exciting opportunities."