Mayo future jobs strategy hit by shock setback

Mayo's future strategy for the attraction of new foreign direct investment jobs has been hit by an unexpected challenge, The Connaught Telegraph has learned.

While IDA Ireland has publicly committed to build a new advance technology building in Castlebar to support the winning of new investment and job creation, the agency is struggling to secure suitable lands aligned with investor needs within close proximity to the county town.

When the agency previously provided such a facility at Breaffy Road, it did not take long for California-based Meissner Filtration Products to agree to take over the 3,900 square-metre unit as its new European manufacturing facility, with over 90 jobs provided.

Now the building of a second facility of its type is facing further delays due to land acquisition difficulties.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, said an extensive site selection process for this new building has been ongoing for some time.

He elaborated: "The acquisition of appropriate lands has proven challenging in the Castlebar area and the IDA continues to explore all possible options. It is essential that Mayo has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs."

It is only when site selection is concluded that the master planning, design and planning phases will commence.

"The IDA will use its best endeavours to deliver the building in a timely manner and IDA Ireland has had regular engagement with Mayo County Council on its plans.

"The agency continues to work with regional stakeholders and the private sector on opportunities to add to the supply of competitive property solutions in regional locations," the minister added.