More than 200 construction jobs will be created by Mayo Renewable Power during the construction of a new 50MW biomass fired power station at Killala Business Park, Tawnaghmore, near Killala.
A further 220 jobs will be created both directly and indirectly by the project, 26 of which will be in the plant when in operation, an additional 75 ancillary jobs, plus a further 120 in growing, harvesting and in the delivery of the biomass.
Mayo County Council has granted planning permission to Mayo Renewable Power to construct the 100 per cent biomass fired power station and the news has been welcomed locally by the Killala Chamber and Development Association.
A spokesperson for the project said: “This project provides a massive boost for the region at a time when investment is scarce and unemployment levels are so high. It means a multi-million euro injection into the area for many, many years to come.
“It is a great day for the community and the region. Renewable energy can play a huge role in helping this country out of recession, and this project will unite workers and local growers of biomass in moving forward with renewed confidence,” the spokesperson added.
To ensure local skills, local subcontractors and local service providers are maximised, Mayo Renewable Power have accepted Killala Chamber and Development Association’s invitation to have an open day at the offices in Killala Business Park within the next two weeks. This will present local sub-contractors and businesses who might benefit from employment opportunities created by this project to meet with the promoters directly. Dates for the open day will be announced shortly.
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly has welcomed the news, stating that this project could prove to be a lifeline for the North Mayo area. “I don’t have to remind anyone that North Mayo, like a lot of the country, is losing many young people to emigration. A major project like Mayo Power has the potential to offer real, sustainable employment for many people in this area, and that has to be welcomed.”
Cllr Munnelly also added that Mayo County Council has placed a number of conditions on the project that will ensure that the local environment and the surrounding community is protected. “There are 84 conditions added to this project, including a request to establish a project management committee, a survey of the Killala-Ballina road prior to construction work, and an annual levy to fund road improvements. There are also other important conditions, such as improving the junction between the main road and the plant, and construction of a footpath between the site and Killala. I think these conditions will ensure that the local community are involved in the project, and benefit from it.”
