IDA technology building in Athlone to bring investment and jobs – Bannon

Fine Gael Longford Westmeath TD, James Bannon, today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD that IDA IRELAND has agreed a contract for delivery of a new building development in Athlone. This building will be suitable for future IDA client investments from a number of potential sectors.

“Regional job creation is a key aspect of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs (APJ) and today’s announcement is testament to the fact that the Government is serious about this commitment. Athlone and the Midlands have suffered during the economic downturn and the news of the advanced technology building is very positive for people in Athlone and the surrounding areas.

“The Midlands building will be located at IDA Garrycastle Business & Technology Park, Dublin Road in Athlone. The development will consist of an advanced technology building, part two storey and part double height single storey.

“The Athlone development is one of two announced today and up to 180 construction jobs will be created during the building phase. The appointed contractor is Kilcawley Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, it is expected that construction will be completed by November of this year.

  “In the past year 60,000 jobs have been created nationally and in Longford and Westmeath unemployment figures are also down. There is no denying that emigration has severely impacted on the region and that announcements like today’s are badly needed to promote job creation.

“The establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices, the development of regional enterprise strategies and creation of a county-based X-Factor style competition to find the best entrepreneur in the country are measures being taken to further enhance the opportunities available in all regions.

“Making high quality property available to foreign investors is extremely important in advancing the offering for the Midlands.”