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Minister Coughlan gives backing to Altitude project in Dundalk
Another government minister has backed the ambitious 'Altitude' project.
A week after Minister Dermot Ahern backed the unique leisure facility, Tnaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Development, Mary Coughlan has also given her backing to the proposals.
The Tnaiste was presented with the plans by Innovative Leisure Systems Ltd directors Sam Curran and Pearse O'Hanrahan at government buildings last week.
It appears that the plans for the 'Altitude' project appear to be in safe hands as Sam was directly involved with delivering the Dundalk Retail Park, JJB Soccerdome and Dundalk Ice Dome to the town.
Planning and a detailed environmental and economic study will be lodged to the Louth Local Authorities before Christmas. The operation will deliver 1,200 full-time and more than 380 part-time jobs over its seven year phase.
Mr Curran studied as a chemical engineer and later become an accountant. He has considerable experience of managing large-scale and complex projects in sectors ranging from production engineering to power generation.
Mr O'Hanrahan has been a director of Bord Gis ireann for seven years and chairs its investment and infrastructure committee as well as being a member of the remuneration and risk committees. A former chairman of Dundalk Town Council, board member of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and vice-chairman of Combat Poverty, he currently chairs Dundalk Port.
Speaking on the project, Sam Curran emphasised the important of job creation for the economy.
"Job creation is obviously a major challenge at the moment as Ireland looks for a way out of the economic doldrums."
Mr O'Hanrahan echoed his comments and said that the Tnaiste was certainly interested in the project.
"There will be a hugely positive impact on the Irish Exchequer from both the construction and operation of Altitude and Minister Coughlan was certainly engaged by our vision for the project and our assessment of how its strategic location can help ensure Altitude's success as an all-island destination with appeal to Irish and overseas visitors.
"We've been very encouraged by the level of support we've received for our plans since details were outlined in regional and national media and there's real interest in what we envisage for the site. One of the messages we've had consistently in feedback from a range of people is that this type of high impact development is what's required to help drive Ireland out of recession and on to more sustainable economic growth."
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Weather for Dundalk
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Heavy showers
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
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