Vital signs are good but recovery will take time

After years in the wilderness Naas, Co Kildare, could almost be said to be on a roll - so long as the small businesses can hold on, writes Caroline O'Doherty.

KERRY Group’s new research facility is already having an impact on the visual landscape around Naas, from the neat blue signs along the M7 motorway announcing its arrival to the tall cranes toiling away on its construction.

But it’s the potential impact on the economic landscape that most excites local people. After seven strained years when not even the Co Kildare town’s enviable location and road network could save it from a slew of business closures, the prospect of 900 new jobs by 2016 is gratifying to say the least.