THE decision by An Bord Pleanala to give the green light to a landmark new development at Williamson's Mall linking Francis Street with the Ramparts has been welcomed by the developers, and should be a major boost to the town centre.

Niall Monahan, Development Director with Monarch Properties, said: 'Obviously we're delighted with what we consider a very positive decision from An Bord Pleanala.'

'It is great news for Dundalk as it will give the town a leading edge development in the town centre, linking the old town centre with the new retail quarter.'

The development will give the local economy a much needed boost as up to 250 part and full time workers will be employed during the construction phase, with the potential for over 200 jobs in the retail and office sector when it is complete.

He said that given the current economic climate, the company 'will have to sit down carefully when considering the timing of the scheme.'

And he said that the company will definitely go ahead with the development - 'it's just a matter of timing.'

'There are initial signs that the economy is starting to pick up so the timing will be crucial,' he continued. 'The current climate is such that it does provide opportunities to get better value for money from building contractors and considerable savings could be made on a development of this scale.'

He said that the multi-storey development, which comprises of two buildings, ranging in height from two to six storeys with a new pedestrian link and civic plaza connecting from the Ramparts Road via the pedestrian link to Francis Street, will provide Dundalk with 'something new in the town centre'.

'It includes retail, office and residential accommodation in a leading edge development.'

The proposal includes the reopening of the Ramparts River over the length of the Ramparts Road fronting the development with pedestrian and vehicular bridges across the river.

Development includes multi storey car park, valet area, service yard, retail units, cafe/bars, hot food take away, off license, amusement arcade, taxi/hackney office, bookmakers, offices, financial / professional services, restaurants and 34 apartments.