THE £2.5 million extension to the National Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC) was officially opened by the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, yesterday.

Established in 1981, it has played a key role in the development of the electronics sector in Ireland, and liaises closely with the sector through its research and development facilities. With a staff of 200 people and an annual budget of £7.5 million, it is the largest single such centre in the State.

The latest extension will bring all NMRC activities under one roof. Funding for the project, which was not State aided, was supported by two of the NMRC's industrial clients, Analog Devices, of Limerick, and General Instrument Corporation, located at Macroom, Co Cork.

Prof G.T. Wrixon, director of the NMRC, said that the new building would enhance the centre's ability to encourage innovation across the industrial spectrum through microelectronics technology.