There was positive news for Mayo this week in attracting new industries to the county, with confirmation that the IDA have commenced the process of evaluating suitable site options in Castlebar, while the IDA have appointed an engineering firm to undertake detailed technical due diligence, review the master plan design and submit a Stage 1 Infrastructure Planning application for the 10.6 hectares proposed industrial park at Sligo Road, Ballina.
Fine Gael Deputy Alan Dillon said it was confirmed to him in Dáil Éireann, that the IDA is committed to building an advanced building solution in Castlebar. The project will form part of IDA Ireland’s implementation of its new capital investment strategy.
Meanwhile Fianna Fáil Deputy Dara Calleary said he been informed about the appointment of an engineering firm to carry out a detailed technical due diligence review for the proposed industrial park in Ballina.
Deputy Dillon said: "I welcome the recent comments by Tánaiste Varadkar and Minister of State Troy on their commitment to delivering an advance building solution in Castlebar.
"The use of these advance building solutions by IDA Ireland is critical in levelling the playing field for regional locations such as Mayo. The construction of high-spec commercial infrastructure greatly increases our attractiveness for inward investment. I am conscious that some companies have delayed on-site visits due to public health restrictions over the past 18 months. Therefore, the IDA must ensure progress in making plans for these facilities to maximise the desired inward investment.
"These IDA Ireland facilities create excitement and confidence and that is why we need a timeline for this exciting new project for County Mayo. I welcome confirmation that IDA Ireland will engage with the new chief executive of Mayo County Council on the development of industrial lands."
Deputy Calleary commented: "Planning permission was previously obtained for infrastructural development, and though this since expired, the site at Sligo Road has subsequently been concept master planned by the IDA to demonstrate its potential and market the site to existing and prospective investors.
"Replying to a Parliamentary Question that I placed to him this week, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment [Leo Varadkar] has confirmed that an engineering firm has now been appointed.
"He further clarified that the firm will be undertaking a review of the master plan for the site and will be submitting a Stage 1 Infrastructural Planning application.
"This will be ready for submission in the coming weeks. IDA Ireland is working in collaboration with Mayo County Council to support the objectives of their new strategy and to ensure the infrastructure development will be complementary to the wider development plans for Ballina. The site, once developed, will be positioned and marketed as a suitable location for indigenous and FDI developments."
