Cllr Frankie Keena has warmly welcomed the news that the IDA has recently purchased c22.74 hectares (56.2 acres ) of undeveloped lands in Athlone for future industry. The acquisition forms part of the organisation’s objective to fund the development of property and infrastructure in the region which supports the requirements of mobile Foreign Direct Investment (FDI ), Cllr Keena stated.
The lands are located in the northern environs of Athlone, off the N55 Ballymahon Road approximately 2km from the town centre, and have the benefit of adjacent services and access to the N55 and M6. “This acquisition represents a competitive, high profile and future focused solution for the region,” Cllr Keena added.
“Athlone, which is a designated regional growth centre under the National Planning Framework 2040 plan, proudly hosts a large number of excellent companies in areas such as pharma, medical and ICT thanks to the fantastic work of the IDA. Now this additional massive land bank investment by the IDA in Athlone will provide opportunities to further build on past successes. In purchasing this land the IDA has clearly portrayed a very strong vote of confidence in the future of the town and midland region which over time will pave the way to attract further FDI to this area,” he said.
Cllr Keena also thanked IDA regional manager Ken Whitelaw and his team for their work to date, and for securing this land bank for future investment and job creation in Athlone.
