Maintaining A Competitive Edge Into The Future At The Shannon Free Zone

The 50 new jobs, supported by Shannon Development, will be at two leading companies, Mentor Graphics Ireland Ltd (35 new jobs) and PAFS Ireland Ltd (15 new jobs).

According to Minister of State Killeen, "Combined with the 250 new jobs and EUR50 million investment announced earlier this year for Shannon by Zimmer Holdings Inc, these new jobs bring to 300 the number of new jobs announced for the Shannon Free Zone in the past 6 months".

He continued, "This jobs announcement is very positive news for the Shannon Free Zone following recent job losses in the area. It will further enhance Shannon and the Midwest Region’s long-standing status as a centre for investment and will help maintain the Shannon Free Zone’s competitive edge into the future".

The Junior Agriculture Minister said he was confident that Shannon Development would continue to play an integral role in ensuring the Shannon Free Zone has a competitive edge as a preferred investment location.

He continued, "During my tenure as Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I stressed the need for Shannon Development’s role in developing the Shannon Free Zone to be maintained. I am delighted to see that the Company has successfully evolved and adapted to meet changing circumstances and the needs of the region. I am especially delighted to see that the Company’s 2007 results indicate clearly that it continues to deliver innovative regional development strategies and projects".

"I know that Shannon Development will continue to pledge its full support to both Mentor Graphics Ireland Ltd and PAFS Ireland Ltd, as well as the Shannon Free Zone’s many other firms in growing their Shannon operations", concluded Minister of State Killeen.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900