The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, has welcomed a decision by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to develop a new science and technology park in Galway county which it hopes will attract international investment and "counter- balance" east coast sprawl.
The agency proposes acquiring up to 400 acres of land at Oranmore and close to Athenry.
The initiative will "future proof" the county and western region for the 20-year horizon of the National Spatial Strategy, according to Mr Emmanuel Dowdall, area director for the IDA's west and mid-west regions.
Galway city and county local authorities were briefed on the plan by IDA officials yesterday.
Both local authorities have been charged with developing a new town of Ardaun on the east of Galway which will straddle the area earmarked for the park.
