Information Age Park Ennis launched by An Tánaiste

Information Age Park - a good illustration of Clare's participation in balanced regional development

Ennis Park helps position Shannon Region as leader in formation of Knowledge age business

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney today (Monday, 17^th November, 2003) launched Information Age Park Ennis - a new 35-acre Technology Park being constructed by Shannon Development on the outskirts of Ennis.

A total of €110 million will be invested between the public and private sectors in the new Park over the next fifteen years. Planning permission has been granted for Phase 1, involving investment of €9 million by Shannon Development, to provide 45,000 square feet of incubation, large floor-plate and own door office accommodation within the next 12 months. Infrastructural work has already commenced.

The Park will cater for office-based knowledge-driven activity such as research, software development, back-office type activities, and headquarter facilities.

Speaking at the launch in Ennis, the Tánaiste said: "These activities could lead to the generation of 200 jobs in the short term which is in line with the evidence from Kerry Technology Park, which since it opened in late 2001, has generated some 150 jobs in 16 start-up companies."

"The Government is committed to delivering balanced regional development in Ireland and the launch of Information Age Park Ennis provides a good illustration of Ennis and Clare's participation in that process. As the fifth and final part of the Shannon Development Knowledge Network, it also represents a proactive move in facilitating spatial development in the region generally and helps position the Shannon Region as a leader in the formation and development of knowledge age business," the Tánaiste added.

The Tánaiste said "The airport and Shannon Free Zone were the traditional bedrock of economic activity in County Clare but the new era presents a new challenge to spread development through the wider area of the county. As a result of its winning the Information Age Town project, Ennis now boasts the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure and it has a population with the skills and appetite to exploit it. Its school leavers are greatly up skilled through experiencing their entire secondary education immersed in Europe's most advance IT schools programme."

Shannon Development's chief executive, Kevin Thompstone added: "We acquired the 35-acre site in 1998 as part of our long-term corporate strategy of developing technology centres in 5 key locations throughout the region. We were looking ahead at the business needs of the town, and identified a requirement for quality accommodation which would attract and cater for knowledge-related businesses from across a broad spectrum of enterprise including foreign direct investment, mobile Irish investment and business incubation.

"Companies operating in today's new economic age require a technologically proficient operating environment, such as will be available at Information Age Park Ennis. Developing this type of park - a high-density urban office park, which will be unique in the Shannon Region is a new departure for Shannon Development, Mr. Thompstone added."

At today's event the Tánaiste took the opportunity to announce the important role that County Clare will play during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union when she confirmed that she will host a high-level Conference of European Ministers responsible for industry and economic matters, EU Commissioners and key European business leaders and scientists in Dromoland Castle from April 25^th to 27^th next year. She said: " this meeting will provide a unique opportunity to examine how best we can improve the competitiveness of the European economy and the vital role of research and development and innovation in this regard. A competitive Europe is not an abstract concept. Increased competitiveness translates into increased employment, a stronger economy and a better quality of life for all citizens."

The Tánaiste also extended a warm welcome to members of the European Economic and Social Committee who were visiting Limerick today to hold a public hearing with a range of parties interested in the adoption of ICT technologies and e-Business processes. This hearing constitutes an important part of the Committee's work in consideration of an EU Commission communication on "Adapting e-Business policies in a changing environment.

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