Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:107 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress on the development of the Monaghan-Armagh digital corridor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4814/01]
Written Answers. - Employment Support Services.
This initiative to attract ICT related industries into the corridor was established by Monaghan County Enterprise Board, Armagh City and District Council, Enterprise Ireland, LEDU, IDA and IDB.
A cross Border board, made up of a number of agencies has been established to bring forward the concept of the corridor and to secure funding for a development manager to promote the strategy. Monaghan CEB and Armagh District Council commissioned consultants to prepare a business plan to develop a strategic plan for the corridor. The University of Ulster wrote a strategic vision on possible ICT strategies and job opportunities within the communication and e-commerce sectors. A development manager was appointed on 1 December 2000, with funding from Monaghan County Enterprise Board, Armagh City and District Council, IFI and LEDU.
Funding from Interreg, Monaghan County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland, IFI and Monaghan County Council has been secured to undertake the building of a technology park in Monaghan town. A similar building has been proposed for Armagh City and is currently under construction. It is anticipated that building works in Monaghan will commence by April 2001 with an anticipated completion date of October 2001.
The building will provide 23,000ft office type accommodation, primarily for ICT projects.