MORE THAN 300 jobs could be created at Knock airport if plans for a new business park are approved by Minister for Enterprise Batt O’Keeffe this year.
Mr O’Keeffe has commissioned Shannon Development and Ireland West Airport Knock to undertake a feasibility study into the opportunities for job-creation from areas such as aviation, tourism, marine, energy, food and the life sciences.
The findings of the study, which will also examine how the Government can support the development of business and employment at the airport facility, will be submitted to Mr O’Keeffe next September.
Airport chairman Liam Scollan said the study would have a strong focus on meeting the needs of entrepreneurs who want to work with the airport in identifying business opportunities.
“It is our intention that this study will result in a greater focus on what these opportunities are, who the people are who can make it happen, and how best the Government can assist.”
Shannon Development chairman John Brassil said executives from the authority’s industry and business parks, tourism, and communications sectors would be involved in the study.
“There is a wonderful opportunity here to help create a counter-pole of development right along the west of Ireland, which can only serve to strengthen the country as a whole.”
Knock airport employs 115 people and transports more than 600,000 passengers to 25 European destinations annually.
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