70 jobs to be created in Armagh

The opening of a new £1.3 million business in park in Armagh city is expected to create up to 70 jobs.

The Armagh Business Park, which was developed by P & B Properties, was opened with the help of EU Peace II funding administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI).

The development of the units, which will be based at the Hamiltonsbawn Road Industrial Estate, have already attracted two new businesses, a food production company and a curtain manufacturer, so far, creating 23 new jobs.

Speaking in Armagh, the chairman of the Business Park, Mr Paul Kelly, said: "This development of 24,000 sq ft of industrial space will create employment in deeply deprived communities. The quality of the finish is excellent and we expect to achieve full occupancy in the very near future with significant benefits to this area."

Commenting on the new development, Mayor of Armagh, John Campbell, said: "The opening of this new building will mark a significant jobs boost to the local economy and will help to promote the area positively further afield.

"Armagh has for a considerable time now needed additional workspace provision to ensure the entrepreneurial spirit is maintained. It is very important that the small businesses that are formed are able to grow and expand and stay within the council area creating jobs locally."

Howard Keery, Head of European Programmes in DETI added: "This investment, made possible through EU Peace II funding will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills acquisition thus providing a foundation for increased investment and employment opportunities for the people of Armagh."

(EF/SP)