A substantial extension to workspace units in Derrylin Enterprise Park, which could create up to 35 new jobs, was officially launched on Friday by Anne Henderson, a Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland and Colette Fitzgerald, Head of European Programmes, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The £833,835 investment is the second phase in a series of investments by Derrylin Enterprises Limited. It will create two modern industrial blocks totalling 12,000sq ft, incorporating three new units.

Speaking on behalf of Derrylin Enterprises Limited, Chairman Pat Rooney explained: "Derrylin Enterprises Limited is a community organisation run by local people on a voluntary basis with the objective of promoting business and economic development within the Derrylin area.

"This second phase of workspace development sees the culmination of over ten years' hard work by the committee and we're pleased to have a range of new successful businesses on our site not only providing valuable employment for local people, but also acting as a catalyst to stimulate additional economic activity."

Derrylin Enterprises Limited was established in 1998 to promote economic development through the provision of affordable workspace units for start-up and established businesses in the Derrylin area. The new building will bring the total number of workspace units provided by Derrylin Enterprise Park up to four, with the potential to employ over 55 people.

Anne Henderson, the IFI Board member, told the gathering that creating conditions where businesses could flourish had been a key area of activity for the Fund.

"The Board of Derrylin Enterprises Limited," she stated, "has already shown that enterprise can be nurtured through the provision of affordable workspace. I am confident that this new expansion will act as a catalyst for increased investment in the area and will stimulate the growth of both new and established businesses.

"The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Derrylin Enterprises Limited since it was established nine years ago, and we are delighted to be here again to give our wholehearted support to the group."

Colette Fitzgerald, speaking on behalf of DETI, commented: "In providing £325,000 to this project from the Peace II Programme, DETI was conscious of the need to support the economic transition of Northern Ireland to a more stable, peaceful and prosperous society through the construction of economic infrastructure.

"Development like this exemplifies the important contribution that European funding is making to the economic regeneration of disadvantaged communities across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland."

Derrylin Enterprise Park is currently occupied by four tenants, who employ up to 55 people in businesses as diverse as joinery products and manufacturing to stainless steel fabrication.