Up to 180 new jobs as IDA signs contracts to build two regional tech facilities

24 Apr 2014

Between 160 and 180 construction jobs are in the pipeline after IDA Ireland signed contracts to build new facilities in Athlone and Waterford to attract technology and advanced manufacturing investments.

This is the first time since the early 1980s that IDA Ireland has funded and managed the construction of an advanced property solution for the marketplace.

The investments are supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

The details of the two construction projects were announced at a sod turning ceremony today in Athlone, attended by senior IDA executives and Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

“It is encouraging that in the past 12 months, every region of the country has seen an increase in employment, with agriculture and tourism in particular contributing to jobs growth in rural areas,” said Bruton.

“As part of Action Plan 2014, we are bringing a particular focus on regional job creation, and are delivering a range of measures to support this goal, with 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.

“Today’s announcement that IDA is resuming construction programmes in the midlands and the south-east is an important part of this. I welcome this announcement and look forward to seeing the results in the coming months.”

Jobs growth for the regions

The midlands building will be located at IDA Garrycastle Business & Technology Park, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath. The development will consist of an advanced technology building of 2,674 sq metres, part two storey and part double height single storey, with associated infrastructure.

The building in the south-east will be constructed at IDA Technology Park, Butlerstown, Cork Road, Waterford. This development will include an advanced technology building of 2,348 sq metres, part two storey and part double height single storey, with associated infrastructure.

“The availability of high quality property solutions is a key component in winning FDI projects,” said IDA Ireland chief executive Barry O’Leary.

“These initiatives will advance the product offering for both the midlands and the south-east and therefore underpin the conversion of projects from IDA’s pipeline.

“Furthermore, these initiatives by IDA will address the current deficit of suitable property solutions and promote investment into regional locations. IDA’s direct intervention to construct these buildings is due to the absence of private funding available to do so,” O’Leary said.

Digital Ireland image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy
By John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years. His interests include all things technological, music, movies, reading, history, gaming and losing the occasional game of poker.

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