American firm Beckman Coulter is closing its facility in Galway, with the loss of up to 70 jobs.

140 staff are currently employed at the plant.

The company, which makes components for medical equipment, says it will offer 70 to 80 employees the opportunity to transfer to its facility in O'Callaghan's Mills, Co Clare.

The company says it expects "to offer incentives to encourage our existing associates to accept positions in Clare."

The Galway plant will close by the end of next year, with production phased out over the next 12-15 months.