Construction is set to begin on the Tarbert E-Town project in Kerry, which will see the construction of eight live and work houses on a 1.3 acre site.
The E-Towns developments are targeted at people who currently have long commutes to work each day, wish to set up a business and could easily work from home.
It would ideally suit micro businesses in the traded services sector, or businesses such as graphic design, consultancy, web design, publishing and professional services. It is also ideal for people who have already set up a business from home but find their current home is no longer suitable for their growing business needs.
Tarbert E-Town will provide residential homes along with individual workspace units built in a courtyard style. House areas will range in size with a mix of detached and semi-detached houses.
Purchasers of the residential units would have the option to either incorporating the workspace unit within their home, or acquiring a work space unit detached from their private residence. Construction work on the project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2010.
“By getting entrepreneurs to locate in Tarbert, we hope to offer them a better quality of life and generate a range of spin-off benefits for the local community,” said Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development.
“We are delighted that Tarbert is set to become Ireland’s second E-Towns location, and we are very appreciative of the support of Tarbert Development Association. Last year we undertook our pilot E-Town project in Miltown Malbay in Co Clare. Construction work on these 12 tailor-designed live/work premises has been completed and we have secured our first client.”
Shannon Development has appointed a team led by project manager Richard Walsh and associates, who will also provide their services as quantity surveyors.
The team also includes: main contractor R & L Walsh Construction Ltd; O’Sullivan Campbell Architects; Procad, mechanical and electrical services; and Malachy Walshe & Partners, civil and structural engineers.
By John Kennedy
