A planning application has been lodged with Westmeath County Council for Phase 1 of a proposed international trade and commerce centre in the eastern environs of Athlone at Creggan.
The 137 hectare zoned site would be developed for the purpose of promoting trade and business between China, Europe and the US.
Phase 1, which would take place on 32 hectares, is expected to cost around €175m and to create an estimated 1,500 positions, as well as 1,200 construction jobs.
The majority of the jobs will be for Irish/EU nationals.
If successful, the centre will bring European and US trade buyers and business people to Athlone, instead of the current need for expensive and time consuming travel to and within China for such purchasing and trading activity.
