Murphy to tempt overseas firms away from Dublin

HOUSING minister Eoghan Murphy will launch a new initiative tomorrow aimed at bringing multinational corporations to the likes of Dundalk, Drogheda, and Newry.

The cross-border “M1 Corridor Project” has ambitions to tempt investment away from Dublin and into the north east region as part of the government’s Ireland 2040 development plan.

Dundalk Chamber treasurer Paddy Malone said the initiative has been devised by businesses on both sides of the border over the last 10 years.

“Our critical objective is to highlight the huge advantages of the region in comparison to Dublin or Belfast as a location for investment. The north east region has been comparably neglected and has relied on indigenous business for development,” he lamented.

DUBLIN publican Declan O’Regan will have to pause plans to upgrade and expand the Drury Buildings, which houses a mix of bars and restaurants in a building facing onto Fade Street, one of the city’s liveliest spots. He owns some of Dublin’s best-known establishments including Hogan’s on Dame Street as well as French restaurant L’Gueleton. O’Regan, brother of the late entrepreneur and publican, Hugh O’Regan, was granted planning permission for the new and improved Drury Buildings, but the decision has just been appealed to an Bord Pleanala.