Goldstar Meats, the Dublin-based Kepak subsidiary which manufactures beefburgers and meat products, has agreed a £2.6 million expansion package with Forbairt, which will allow it to enter the ready-to-cook meat and meals market.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ned O'Keeffe, announced the project, which is also receiving support from the EU's FEOGA fund. He said it would increase employee numbers by 35 to 135 at the Glasnevin plant.

"Sales in this sector have grown from £805 million in 1993 to £1,360 million in 1997, of which exports represent £676 million. Employment in the sector now stands at 11,300 and it is projected to increase to 12,800 by the end of the decade," he said.