Development has potential to create 450 jobs

The Argus, Wednesday February 25 2009.

The Cathedral Walk development will create up to 450 short and long term jobs, say the company behind the ambitious plans.

Monarch Properties revealed that around 250 people would be needed during construction and when fully let, there is the potential to create 200 jobs in the retail units.

Cathedral Walk will feature two new buildings ranging in height from two to six storeys, with spectacular views of the town centre.

Monarch have scaled back the original proposals in terms of height, and also include the reopening of the Ramparts River over the frontage to the site, explains Paul Monahan.

'A new dedicated pedestrian bridge over the reopened river will link the development with Ramparts Road and two vehicular bridge crossings will provide access to a multi-storey car park and to a service yard.'

'The Ramparts River is presently culverted and of little positive value apart from that of drainage. However, Cathedral Walk will be a pleasant walkway, a place for café tables basking in the southerly aspect.'

He added that it will 'revitalise this historic route and create greater pedestrian footfall and socio economic benefits.'

A native of Carrick Road, Paul said that along with Monarchs Development Director Niall Monahan the company bring a passion and commitment to the project borne from their attachments to Dundalk.

Although the architects are Dublin-based Lafferty Design Architects, they have strong Dundalk connections with Colin Eaton, the projects design director and associate director being from town and a past pupil of St Mary's College.

Brian Lambe, a founding director of the Lafferty Group, and also a Dundalk man is the lead project manager.

Further bolstering the local link, Tobin Consulting Engineers are based at Dundalk's Market Square. Tony Curran a consulting engineer and an associate with Tobin's is leading the project and is also a Dundalk native.