NW science park 'could create 280 jobs': Ilex

The Fort George site

Londonderry's urban regeneration company, Ilex, has confirmed plans to build a cross-border regional science park.

It would be based at two sites: the former army base at Fort George in Derry and at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Ilex said the venture could create up to 280 high-paid technology jobs.

Chief executive Aideen McGinley said they were currently involved in discussions with private investors.

"A year ago, we had nobody asking us about Fort George. We now have a number of interests from outside," she said.

"We have at least two good leads in terms of local and international interest."

She said the cross-border dimension of the project was very important.

"That starts to get us an all-Ireland presence and we really do make ourselves the digital capital of the island."