The Government has asked for a feasibility study into the setting up of an 'enterprise park' at Ireland West Airport Knock.
The project is initially aimed at creating 300 jobs. It will be conducted by Shannon Development at the request of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation Minister Batt O'Keeffe.
The study will investigate opportunities for job creation from areas such as spin-offs from the aviation business, tourism, marine, energy, food, and the life sciences.
The Minister said the study would look at how the Government could support the development of business and employment from the proposal.
'At the centre of this initiative will be entrepreneurs who want to partner with the airport in identifying business opportunities,' said Liam Scollan, the airport's chairman.
A steering group will oversee the feasibility work over the next three months. It included the airport's CEO Joe Gilmore, Shannon Development chief Vincent Cunnane and Fergal Broder, who heads Lotus Works Ireland in Sligo.
