Image copyright Getty Images Image caption CVS Caremark is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the US

US health company CVS Caremark is to close its Belfast IT centre with the loss of 70 jobs.

The centre, which opened in 2012, develops software, including the firm's mobile and tablet apps for services like prescription orders.

It is being closed as part of a wider reorganisation across the CVS business.

In 2014, the company said it intended to grow its Belfast operation, with a target of 150 jobs.

The firm was offered grants of £300,000 by Invest NI in 2012 and a further £725,000 in 2014.

A company spokesperson said the closure was "not a reflection of the excellent work performed by our IT operations colleagues in Belfast over the past three years.

"CVS Health is enhancing efficiencies across the entire company in order to focus roles and resources on driving the greatest value for our business while maintaining customer satisfaction."

In a statement, Invest NI said the proposed job losses were "deeply regrettable".

"Invest NI understands that this is a corporate decision by the CVS Health Corporation as a result of a strategic review across all CVS operations, including IT operations in the USA. The planned redundancies are not a reflection of the performance of the Belfast operation," the statement said.

Invest NI will continue to liaise closely with the company to explore all options and to seek to mitigate the impact of the potential closure.

"The staff are highly qualified and experienced IT professionals and we are confident that their skills and expertise will be in demand within the Northern Ireland ICT sector.

"In total, Invest NI offered CVS £1.94m towards employment creation and skills development. To date, the company has drawn down £538k of that assistance. Invest NI will determine claw back relating to CVS offers and pursue this in due course."