County Tyrone to benefit from investment in Linen Green

County Tyrone is to benefit from a £10 million expansion to a leisure shopping village which could see the establishment of Ireland’s biggest factory outlet for fashion labels.

The venture, now at the second stage of development, is expected to create up to 500 new jobs based at Linen Green complex in Moygashel. The investment is a joint venture between a private developer and the Moygashel Community Development Association, which is chaired by Ulster Unionist peer Lord Maginnis.

Describing the investment as “a tribute to the resolute determination” of the local community, Lord Maginnis said that the Linen Green development had breathed new life into an area that had suffered a period of decline following the decision by many textile companies to withdraw from the region.

He said: ”I am confident that with the educational base here and the excellent potential the location offers, the Linen Green will far exceed our original expectations.”

The out-of-town retail development opened in October of last year, offering a variety of outlets in addition to the Linen Visitors Centre.

When the latest phase of expansion is finished, the complex will boast an art gallery, children’s facilities, expanded car parking and a tourist information centre, as well as over 70,000 square feet of extra floor space for shops. (CL)