New workspace units aim to create 55 news jobs in Armagh

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, along with David Graham, International Fund for Ireland, officially opened the extension to Armagh Business Centre, today.

The extension will provide an additional 13,485 square-foot of high quality work-space, suitable for a wide range of businesses. The project, which has already leased 14 of its 24 units, will help to create 55 new jobs for the area.

Speaking at the opening, the Minister said: “Armagh Business Centre is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership for the benefit of the local community. In the current economic climate, developments which improve the economic and social well-being of communities are essential and this investment will help stimulate growth, develop potential, create jobs and facilitate skills development.”

The Minister reinforced the Executive’s aim for economic growth, and said: “Having placed the economy at the centre of the Programme for Government, the Executive continues to support local businesses as it seeks to build a stronger economy for Northern Ireland. In the current economic climate we will continue to help create new businesses as well as assisting existing companies through these challenging economic times. I want to congratulate everyone involved with this major investment in the Armagh Business Centre and for their continued commitment to the local economy.”

The £1,340,00 project was developed with the assistance of EU Peace & Reconciliation (Peace II) funding administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI). Additional funding was also provided by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), Armagh Business Centre and Armagh City and District Council.

David Graham, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland said: "The new, high-quality, affordable business units provide the potential to attract both start-up businesses and already established small businesses. The new jobs created will help to strengthen and underpin community life in the years ahead. It is very encouraging that many of the new units are already occupied and this illustrates the demand for these impressive, high-quality facilities in the local area.

Mr Graham added: “The International Fund for Ireland is keen to support projects such as Armagh Business Centre, which will have a positive and lasting impact long after the Fund ceases to exist.”

Thomas O’Hanlon, Armagh City and District Council said: “Armagh City and District Council are delighted to have contributed to the Armagh Business Centre in the extension of this superb facility which will attract new investors into the area. I would pay tribute to Armagh Business Centre’s vision and foresight in creating this wonderful facility which provides workspace for new and existing businesses in the area, and will in no doubt both sustain and create employment in the area.”

Chairman of Armagh Business Centre, TW Johnston said: “This country, not only over recent years, but decades, has grown on small and medium indigenous businesses and we are delighted to have been cheerleaders for enterprise for the last quarter of a century in the Armagh District.”

The additional twenty four units built as part of the extension project brings to sixty nine the total number of units at Armagh Business Centre.

Notes to editors:

1. The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) aims to address the legacy of conflict and make the most of opportunities arising from peace.
2. The breakdown of funding is as follows: Peace II (DETI) - £495,000, International Fund for Ireland - £445,000, Promoter (Armagh Business Centre Ltd) - £300,000,
3. Armagh City & District Council - £100,000. The total amounts to £1,340,000
4. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.