The IDA has agreed to encourage future industries planning to establish a base in Galway, to set up on lands owned by the authority in Oranmore, a move one local TD believes will help combat Parkmore’s chronic traffic congestion.
The IDA made the commitment following a recent meeting between IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan; Emma Goode, regional manager, IDA West Region; and Damien Kilgannon, IDA head of property management; with Independent politicians, Dep Noel Grealish and city councillor Donal Lyons.
It is understood there are 67 acres, or 27 hectares, of serviced land held by the IDA at the Oranmore Science and Technology Park, along with more than 92 hectares in Athenry. According to Dep Grealish, encouraging industry to Oranmore means the IDA will “regard Oranmore as an extension of Parkmore”. He added that this will “help to avoid adding to the terrible traffic problems workers on that side of the city endure every day”.
The meeting also discussed the need to attract industry to the Knocknacarra area, where a substantial amount of land is zoned for this purpose. “At the moment half the population of Knocknacarra have to travel to the far side of the city to get to work,” said Dep Grealish. “They are crying out for more local employment, which would further cut down on traffic congestion.”
