The acquisition of up to 180 acres of strategic landbanks in Co Limerick by Shannon Development last year for potential developers and industrialists has proved critical in the Dell Computer Corporation deciding to concentrate its expansion in the Raheen Industrial Estate resulting in 2,500 additional jobs.
This is a view expressed by Mr Paul Sheane, chief executive of Shannon Development, on the company's annual report published yesterday, in which he predicts a "millennium jobs boom for the Shannon region".
During 1997, the period covered by the report, the company invested over £11.5 million with over 5,000 net new jobs created in industry, tourism and services in the Shannon region. This covers an area of over 10,000 sq.km. spanning Clare, Limerick, north Tipperary, south Offaly and north Kerry with a population of over 407,000 people.
Mr Sheane said the region is on course for the year 2000, a target set three years ago.
There is now a record 6,320 employed at the Shannon Free Zone, which is, according to a spokesman, to exceed 8,000 by the end of this year.
Mr Sheane said that Shannon Development generated 90 per cent of operating income is generated from its own resources. By the year 2000 the plan is to be fully self-financing.
