Initiative brings jobs boost

£10m is to be spent on expansion in Moygashel

Two major investments in the Northern Ireland economy have resulted in a jobs boost in counties Tyrone and Antrim.

Five hundred new jobs are to be created in a £10m expansion to a leisure shopping village in County Tyrone.

The owners of the Linen Green complex at Moygashel said the investment was intended to create a premier factory outlet for top fashion brands.

And in Belfast, the Northern Ireland Minsister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment announced an extra 40 jobs in the information technology sector.

Ken Maginnis, the former MP and now Lord, said the expansion at the Linen Green Centre was a tribute to the determination and work ethic of the local community.

This new development will put Moygashel and Dungannon firmly on the map as a major tourist and shopping destination

William Beattie Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council

"The Linen Green has already breathed new life into an area that has suffered a period of decline following the downturn in the UK textiles industry," he said.

"I am confident that with the educational base here and the excellent potential the location offers, the Linen Green will far exceed our original expectations."

The investment is being backed by the Moygashel Community Development Association, in conjunction with a private developer.

The Linen Green Centre, initially created over 100 jobs and accommodated retail, office and food outlets when it opened in October 2000.

Tourist destination

The expansion plans will add a 600-space car park, a children's play facility, an art gallery, a tourist information office and 75,000 sq ft of factory units to the current complex.

William Beattie, chief executive of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council said the initiative would restore derelict buildings and provide a boost to the local job scene.

"This new development will put Moygashel and Dungannon firmly on the map as a major tourist and shopping destination," he said.

Meanwhile, Sir Reg Empey has announced an extra 40 jobs at a US based information technology firm in Belfast.

Reg Empey: "Investment will enhance economy"

Sir Reg said ACS International Resources Inc were investing £1.4m into a project, supported by the Industrial Development Board venture, which is due for completion by the end of 2003.

"This project represents ACSI's first expansion in Europe and will position Northern Ireland at the forefront of their future growth strategy and further enhance the development of the knowledge-based economy here," he said.

ACSI's investment in Belfast has been supported by a grant from the IDB, worth £200,000.

The company's chief executive, Milan Patel, said the investment would ensure the company could deliver a cost effective product.

"Northern Ireland provides us with an ideal location to fulfil our aim of broadening our customer base and scope of services by targeting the wider US and European markets," he said.

"We intend to target software development companies that develop products for the US retail market and large US retail store chains."