Ballingarrane Research and Development Facility in Clonmel has been approved and a contractor has been appointed, it has been announced.

Fianna Fáil Cllr for South Tipperary Cllr Siobhán Ambrose said: "It is hoped that the 1,500 square metres facility, which will cost approximately €3 million, will be opened in mid-2014.

"The new facility will include research and development laboratories, conference and meeting room facilities and training rooms for local businesses. This now means that new and existing indigenous businesses in this area will have an opportunity to avail of these facilities. It also means that outside small businesses will have an opportunity to rent out meeting, training or conference rooms. Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) has also been very involved in this project and it is hoped that with the college next door, this new facility will also support new graduates with specialisation in the science area."

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Cllr Ambrose added that it is a wonderful day for the people of Clonmel and South Tipperary.

"This new announcement sends out a clear message that Clonmel and South Tipperary are very supportive of new and existing research and development projects. I have no doubt that this project will be a great success and I welcome the fact there is sufficient additional land to bring this project to the next level should the need arise.

"The fact that this tender has been awarded to a local company also means that this project will be a valuable boost to the local economy. The project has been in the pipeline for several years and huge thanks must go to all those involved."

(CD)