Shannon Development-assisted companies led to an extra 575 jobs being provided in the region last year, according to the firm's annual results released today.
Shannon Development chief Kevin Thompstone said these firms recorded sales of €5.3 billion and now employed 20,530 people.
Mr Thompstone said the Shannon region attracted over 1.7 million visitors out of an annual visitor total to the country that was in excess of 7.4 million. Tourists to the Shannon region generated €407 million in revenue.
He also confirmed that preparatory work on a €400 million liquid natural gas project is starting at a landbank in Ballylongford, Co Kerry on the Shannon Estuary.
"Significant preparatory work is underway with a view to lodging a planning application in 2007," he said, adding the project has the potential to secure Ireland's long-term supply of natural gas.
