World-class enterprise hub planned for Creggan area

There may not have been any mention of a large-scale Chinese project in the Draft Creggan Area Development Plan submitted to Westmeath County councillors on Monday, but one thing was clear from the plan - the council plans to develop the area extensively so that it can compete not only a national level, but on an international one. However, it appears the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme will need to be in place before any large scale development of the lands can take place. Yet, despite lacking such infrastructure the council is clearly optimistic that the area can become an international hub. The plan states: "The aim of the plan is to develop Creggan as a world class enterprise, innovation and trading hub, underpinned by a vibrant urban structure, excellent infrastructure and high quality environment, which will enhance the quality of life of its residents, and entice visitors and businesses alike." The council clearly set out its plans for the 302 hectares of land at Creggan, which it divided into three areas - the existing area of Garrycastle, taking in the business park; Creggan Upper which will be developed commercially and residentially and a 'Strategic Gateway Zone', which the council says presents an opportunity for the development of intensive enterprise activity. The draft plan states: "An intrinsic aspect of the plan is the reservation of sufficient lands for commercial and employment use, in order to stimulate inward investment and raise the profile of Athlone within the national and international arena." The council also states that the plan will make "provision for the potential to develop a new/unique enterprise space of national and potentially international importance". The plan points out that the Creggan area is a major land bank asset, which is capable of supporting a substantial population and workforce of increasing diversity and variety. The council plans to develop Creggan as "an enterprise zone with an international profile with employment opportunities for both indigenous and inward investment - significant potential for foreign owned and domestic owned high value industry, including high end, specialised trade, manufacturing, financial, business services and other commercial activities." The council also envisages Creggan as a centre of excellence for education, research, enterprise and innovation and as a world class business centre. The draft plan also includes a proposal for a new railway station to serve the area. Once adopted the plan will remain in place from 2010 to 2016, although the council can vary this if necessary. The plan for Creggan is being prepared as provided for in the Westmeath County Development Plan and the Athlone Town Development Plan. The strategic aims of both of these plans are: - To facilitate the provision of sufficient employment opportunities to cater for the needs of the population of the town and its hinterland through the expansion of manufacturing, hi-tech and services bases of the town - To foster the development of the town's role as an education centre and centre for the arts - To foster the development of the town's role as a regional administrative and service centre The plan points out that water supply will not constrain the continued growth of Creggan as the supply for the area is sourced from the Shannon. It also points out that the master sewerage plan for the Creggan area is in the final design stages at present. Giving more detail about the three areas in Creggan, the plan points out that the principle objective in the Garrycastle area is to consolidate and develop existing economic and enterprise activity and promote and facilitate the development and expansion of a knowledge-based economy. "The linkage between the AIT campus and Garrycastle Business (Park) is critical for the spin-off and synergy required to fulfil the vision to develop a centre of excellence for education, research, enterprise and innovation at this location," the plan reads. The plan for Creggan Upper is to "provide a single user or a small number or users to occupy this high profile site, with access onto the adjacent roundabout serving the M6." Also planned for Creggan Upper is preserving the residential amenity of the existing residential cluster and individual dwellings. Area C or the 'Strategic Gateway Zone' will see the most development, according to the plan, which states: "This area represents an opportunity for development of intensive enterprise activity, which would generate significant inward investment and job creation potential." The council hopes to see this area become a vibrant, high quality and sustainable centre of activity, a vision it says that can be realised "through the development of integrated large-scale projects within the international trading sector". "This center could provide employment opportunities for both indigenous and significant potential for foreign owned and domestic owned high value industry, including high end, specialised trade, manufacturing, financial, business services and other commercial activities. In a global context, international trading has emerged as a growing economic sector. Ireland's strategic location as a gateway to the European market presents an opportunity to develop this sector and thereby contribute significantly to the local, regional and national economy," the plan reads. However, the plan alludes to more ambitious plans by the council in the future as it states: "This area will provide for the medium term development of the Creggan lands." The council hopes to make the area pedestrian and cycle friendly and to include cycling and walking routes within the area. It also states that the provision of landmark buildings within the Strategic Gateway Zone and Creggan Upper will act as entrance portals to Athlone town. The council also stressed that new development in the area should seek to incorporate renewable energy sources. The plan also facilitates the provision of community services for the resident population, in addition to making available adequate amenities for future communities. A school is also seen as necessary as part of the development of Creggan. However, the council points out that: "Key infrastructural elements such as the Athlone Main Drainage, the Loughandonning Link Road and other road improvements identified will be essential support to the comprehensive development envisaged for Area C (the Strategic Gateway Zone)."