300 Jobs Investment For Carrick-On-Shannon "MBNA Corporation Project Will be One of the Biggest Employers in Leitrim" - Tánaiste

The Tánaiste said "MBNA's decision is excellent news for the town and the whole of Leitrim. As a major international services operation, by a world leading company, it could provide a wide range of high quality jobs for the people of the area and an opportunity for those working elsewhere to return home. It will also make a significant contribution to the economy of the area and will enhance IDA's promotion of Leitrim and the North West to potential investors."

The Tánaiste continued "this project will be one of the biggest employers in Leitrim. This is great news for a region that has been devastated in the past by emigration and unemployment"

This is MBNA's second major investment in Ireland in two years. In February 1998 it also received Government and IDA Ireland support for the establishment of a teleservices and data processing operation in Dublin. Located at St. Stephens Green, the investment has already been fully implemented, and employs the 200 people as planned.

The Tánasiste said "MBNA's consideration of Carrick-on-Shannon is a major success for the Government strategy to have international projects locate outside the main urban centres and particularly in the Objective One area."

MBNA has been in discussion regarding the purchase of suitable land in Carrick-on-Shannon. MBNA's proposal to establish this facility is part of an ongoing process. The next key stages involve submissions to and approval by Leitrim County Council and the final endorsement of the project by the MBNA Board. In this context the planning application will be lodged with Leitrim County Council in the coming weeks.