Three companies have been shortlisted as possible partners with the IDB in the development of a 150-acre business park between Belfast and Larne. The site at Corrs Corner was selected for textiles company Hualon. This venture was finally abandoned after being bedeviled by problems within Hualon and by strong objections from the British textile industry, which claimed the IDB grants being used to set up the operation amounted to unfair competition.

The shortlisted companies are Akeleer Developments, part of the Security Capital Group, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Prologis Kingspark Development, and a joint venture between Dunloe Ewart and one of Britain's leading property developers, MEPC.

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, said the site would be a prime location for inward investors.

"These companies are well-known players in the international property market," he said, "and their interest in this initiative will highlight to other important influences the business opportunities which are available here".