Tánaiste “turns the sod” for Advance Factory in Listowel

Tánaiste Mary Harney on a visit to Listowel today (Friday 17th September, 1999) “turned the sod” for a new advance factory in Listowel, Co. Kerry.

Speaking at the ceremony the Tánaiste said “This is a good day for Listowel and I am delighted to officially turn the first sod for the construction of this new 15,000 sq ft purpose built advance factory in the Clievveragh Industrial Estate. The development of this advance factory by a locally based group, with funding raised locally, is an important local initiative and a tremendous vote of confidence by the people of Listowel in the future of their town.”

The advance factory project was undertaken by Listowel Industrial Investments Ltd, a company established by Listowel business and professional interests. The company is backed by the Listowel Partnership Group, a working group comprising executives from Listowel UDC, Shannon Development and local community representatives.

“The advance factory is being developed under the Advance Factory BES Programme, a Government initiative whereby local community groups can raise up to £1 million for the development of an advance factory in their area. I am delighted to learn that, following Shannon Development’s approval of the promoter’s proposals, funding for the Listowel Advance Factory was oversubscribed,” the Tánaiste said.

“This advance factory, which is due for completion in March 2000, is designed to accommodate a range of potential industrial activities such as, software development, light assembly, health care, call centres or knowledge based industries. This building will give a major impetus to IDA Ireland in the marketing of Listowel to potential overseas investors, in particular to the International Services sector, the Tánaiste added.

“Listowel Town has many advantages to offer as an industrial location. These include fully serviced sites, such as the one on which this advance factory is being constructed, a young, well-educated and locally based work-force, an excellent tele-communications infrastructure and easy access to international air connections, the Tánaiste said.

The Tánaiste congratulated all those involved in the project which she said “was an excellent example of local people working for the future of their town by providing the essential infrastructure for attracting new overseas investment to Listowel.”