Ida technology building to be completed by this nov
A new advanced technology building, which it’s hoped will attract further investment and jobs into Athlone, is on target for completion in November.
A spokesperson for the IDA, the agency which charged with attracting foreign direct investment into Ireland, explained that 90 construction workers have been employed on-site in Garrycastle Business and Technology Park since the ground breaking ceremony last April. Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has previously described the new hi-tech building in Athlone “as a magnet to attract investment”.
Encompassing over 2,600 square metres or 27,000 square feet of space, the sizeable premises will be part two storey and part double height single storey, with associated infrastructure.
It’s hoped this initiative by IDA will address the current deficit of suitable property solutions and promote investment into regional locations, the authority maintains, adding that its direct intervention to construct these new buildings in Athlone and Waterford came about in the absence of private funding being available to do so.
It is the first time since the early 1980s that IDA Ireland has funded and managed the construction of an advanced property solution for the marketplace. IDA’s Head of Regional Business Development, Breda O’Toole, says: “This property solution will enhance the existing offering for the Midlands and will enable us to showcase regional locations as an attractive place to do business.”
The idea is that these buildings will meet the future requirements of IDA client companies across the full spectrum of manufacturing and technology activities.
Both buildings have been designed to high standards using materials such as natural stone and specialist metal cladding systems.
The designs incorporate subtle soft landscaping, taking reference from the surrounding landscape, which compliments and integrates the new building within the existing business and technology park.
The layout has taken account of the requirement of potential end users for flexibility by creating front of house open plan office areas with the potential for subdivision.
A rear open plan production area offers flexibility for large scale open plan use or again the potential to subdivide or introduce cellular spaces.