New Roads Could Create Jobs, Say IDA

A new road between Galway, Ennis and Limerick – linked by the new M18 motorway has the potential to create jobs it has been revealed.

The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has said he next decade could see the Technology Corridor’ create hundreds and even thousands of jobs in Galway.

Jim Murren, Western Regional Manager of the IDA told the Connacht Tribune that the M18 Gort-Limerick motorway is a key piece of infrastructure in attracting companies to towns like Gort, and for the creation of new jobs.

"Infrastructure like the M18 is hugely important in attracting investment to Galway. Management can fly into Shannon and it’s just a short journey up the road.

The industrial authority has rubbished the notion that South Galway has been neglected in terms of job creation in recent years.

Mr Murren said: "Companies will drag the workforce from Galway, North Clare and Ennis, and good road access is crucial. We have that infrastructure – the nature of it is its near the centre of population and critical mass.

"Look at a company like CareFusion in Gort … it’s considered a favoured site by management. There were 100 people working there, and then they announced 35 more jobs.

"It’s proving to be a huge success. I would be confident this company’s success will lead to more jobs".

Meanwhile Limerick city has received a welcome jobs boost with confirmation that a major new road costing €45 million has got the go-ahead. It is expected that around 200 people will be employed in the construction phase.

This development will cost approximately €45m to construct and it is hoped it will have a very positive effect at a local, regional and national level.

This road scheme will provide a newdual carraigeway on the north western side of Limerick City linking the Coonagh Roundabout on the N18 with the Knockalisheen Road.

It will also include significant improvement works to the Knockalisheen Road itself.

Construction of the new distributor road is one of the key elements of the regeneration masterplan for the northside of Limerick city.

(LB/CD)