The opening of a technology park in Kerry by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr John O’Donoghue, passed off without incident despite fears of a ‘Blue Flu’ style protest by gardaí.
The threat of a protest by garda&íacute; over manning levels seems to have been averted following a meeting this morning between Chief Superintendent Fred Garvey and members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA).
The gardaí had raised concerns over manning levels during the visit by Mr O'Donoghue to Tralee.
The Kerry Technology Park will facilitate eight companies, employing 80 people at the outset.
Mr O’Donoghue said the facility would be important in guaranteeing the long-term future of Kerry. "It is only through the judicious use of high technology that we can continue to stay ahead of the competition," he said.
Designed as a state-of-the-art technology facility, the Park represents an overall investment by Shannon Development of £7.5 million. It will provide incubation and support services for the enterprises set up there.
Employment at the facility is projected to rise to at least 1,000 by 2007 in a mix of overseas and Irish-owned technology and knowledge-driven enterprises.