Step closer to 1,000 new jobs
A WATER-PARK which could see the creation of 1,000 jobs in Offaly will move to consultation phase. The proposed venture was given the green light by Dublin City Councillors at a special meeting last Thursday.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said that consultation with the parties concerned would commence shortly and would take some time. She added an Environmental Impact Statement would also be carried out.
The n540 million project, which would bring with it 1000 jobs, has been mooted for Garryhinch Bog in Portarlington.
The innovative water based eco-park with fishing, boating, cycling, water and leisure sports on 500 acres, with a major water storage reservoir, located on a former cut away bog, Garryhinch Bog, County Offaly is the recommended solution to finding a new water source for the Greater Dublin area and supply water to Counties Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath.
The project would generate an estimated 1000 construction jobs for three years, in addition to generating ongoing sustainable long term jobs in the midlands managing the eco-park activities and a water plant.
Portarlington Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said this is welcome news for this area. He said a development such as this would be a huge benefit to the villages of Cloneygowan and Geashill and the local towns of Portarlington and Mountmellick in regard to job creation. Cllr Fitzpatrick said tourism in these areas has been badly affected and as a result of the recession there are now 16,315 persons on the live register in the Laois / Offaly area.
"The process for this development is a long technical process and the proposal would have to go through a full public consultation with the local communities," said Cllr Fitzpatrick who said having all groups in favour of this development will certainly ensure that the planning process would be successful.
"The development would ensure employment in the construction of the lake and possible full time jobs in the maintenance and running of the water treatment facility," he said.
He said this type of development would have a huge return for the area it would provide for fishing, boating and walks around the lake area. He concluded by saying "this a very positive proposal by Bord Na mona who have given employment in the Midland area for over fifty years."
Dublin City Council passed this proposal at a meeting on Thursday last and are totally in favour of this type of development to supply Water to the Dublin area.
An Environmental Impact Statement process will be undertaken next, before a planning application is made to An Bord Pleanla and further and full statutory public consultation takes place.
An Bord Pleanla will make the decision on the viability of the project, which will require funding from Government.
A new water source to augment all the existing water sources, will be needed in the Dublin region from 2016. An estimated 1.5 million people living in the midlands and the east of the country, as well as existing and new industries will use the new water supply.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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