A major project has been launched at the IDA Business & Technology Park in Monaghan which will see the delivery of a new innovative building.

Minister for Business Enterprise & Innovation Heather Humphreys TD visited the site yesterday, 09 December, to mark the beginning of construction on a new IDA Ireland Advance Technology Building (ATB).

The new 1,329m2 building will comprise 910m2 of high tech manufacturing space with ancillary office space over two floors.

Speaking at the sod-turning in Monaghan today, Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted to see construction beginning today on the IDA's Advance Technology Building here in Monaghan. It is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to increase investment in the Border region. I have every confidence that this new building will stimulate further innovation, investment and job creation for the people of Monaghan and across the Border area."

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Supported by Monaghan County Council, the ATB is being constructed under IDA Ireland's Regional Property Programme (RPP) funded by Government which was set up to address deficits in the commercial property market that were not being met by the private sector. This €150m programme has seen eight buildings already completed with the first six of these successfully marketed, and occupied, enabling IDA Ireland to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs.

These ATBs, which are designed to facilitate a change of function to advanced office buildings if required, also have a 100% expansion capability. IDA Ireland has 12 strategic sites and 34 business parks located throughout the country and the RPP also includes major capital investments in sites, services and infrastructure to enhance the FDI offering.

Further government funding will allow the next phase of the RPP to proceed with the construction of further advance buildings including this investment in Monaghan and others in Sligo, Athlone, Carlow and Dundalk which will commence in 2020.

IDA Ireland's Executive Director, Mary Buckley added: "IDA Ireland's Regional Property Programme has been instrumental in helping us attract investment to regional locations. Our advance buildings offer ready-for-occupation high specification, flexible and sustainable solutions. They allow investors to quickly establish and scale up their operations which is a huge advantage. This ATB will significantly enhance the value proposition and greatly assist us in our efforts to win new investment and jobs for the Border region."

(CM/JG)