New jobs boost for Maghera

Up to 13 new jobs will be created at the Maghera Business Park with the launch of the Phase II expansion.

Maghera Development Association received over £176,000 from the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme for the new phase which provides additional office and workspace units.

The centre was opened by the Chairman of Magherafelt District Council, Councillor Oliver Hughes and John McKinney, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body which administers EU peace funding.

Speaking at the opening, Mr McKinney said: "This is an excellent example of where a community worked very closely together to improve the local infrastructure.

"The development association saw the opportunity to use a Roads Service depot as an extension to an already successful enterprise facility.

"As Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body I am delighted that the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has been able to assist Maghera Development Association in improving the enterprise infrastructure of their area.

"Indeed, I would urge other groups to consider what could be achieved in their areas and apply for the new funding available, Peace II."

The Business Park, which opened in 1996, already provides employment for 36 local people and has an occupancy rate of 95 per cent. Tenants for the new phase have already been agreed.

Eamon Mallon, Chairman of the Development Association, is proud of the way that the Business Park has developed, he added: "These excellent facilities present an ideal opportunity for young entrepreneurs of the area to start their own business or to extend and expand existing operations. In addition has created the probability for sustained employment for a considerable workforce.

"The latest development fully complements the significant achievements of Phase I while also making maximum use of a derelict site. Such a major cross-community success story certainly augurs well for the future of Maghera." (MB)