Jobs To Be Created In Armagh

An extension to a Co Armagh business centre will bring new jobs to the area.

The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, along with David Graham, International Fund for Ireland, has officially opened the extension to Armagh Business Centre. The extension will provide an additional 13,485 square-foot of high quality work-space, suitable for a wide range of businesses.

The project, which has already leased 14 of its 24 units, will help to create 55 new jobs for the area.

Speaking at the opening, the Minister, pictured here with David Graham, International Fund for Ireland, Thomas Johnston, Chairman of the Armagh Business Centre, and Armagh City Mayor Thomas O'Hanlon, said: "Armagh Business Centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership for the benefit of the local community.

"In the current economic climate, developments which improve the economic and social well-being of communities are essential and this investment will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills development."

The Minister reinforced the Stormont Executive's aim for economic growth, and said: "Having placed the economy at the centre of the Programme for Government, the Executive continues to support local businesses as it seeks to build a stronger economy for Northern Ireland.

"In the current economic climate we will continue to help create new businesses as well as assisting existing companies through these challenging economic times. I want to congratulate everyone involved with this major investment in the Armagh Business Centre and for their continued commitment to the local economy."

The £1,340,00 project was developed with the assistance of EU Peace & Reconciliation (Peace II) funding administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI).

Additional funding was also provided by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), Armagh Business Centre and Armagh City and District Council.

David Graham, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland said: "The new, high-quality, affordable business units provide the potential to attract both start-up businesses and already established small businesses.

"The new jobs created will help to strengthen and underpin community life in the years ahead. It is very encouraging that many of the new units are already occupied and this illustrates the demand for these impressive, high-quality facilities in the local area," he said.

(BMcC)