Troy: ‘Worrying delay in construction of Marlinstown facility’

A claim that there appears to be a delay in the construction of a new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at Marlinstown has been made by Fianna Fáil TD, Robert Troy, who has said the situation is “worrying”.

The Longford Westmeath TD was informed by the Minister for Enterprise, Simon Coveney, in response to a parliamentary question, that a contractor to build the advanced facility should be appointed before the end of the year.

The minister said: “The public procurement process for the selection of a suitably qualified contractor to complete the development is at an advanced stage.

“It is IDA Ireland’s intention to appoint a contractor for the construction of the Advanced Building Solution in Quarter 4 2023 with a view to commencing the development shortly thereafter.”

Deputy Troy said: “I prioritised this development during my time as minister of state at the Department of Enterprise so I welcome the minister for enterprise’s confirmation that the plans for the new manufacturing plant at Marlinstown IDA are progressing.

“However, the timeframe for the beginning of construction keeps moving, which is worrying. I was informed last March that a contractor would be appointed in the third quarter of this year. Now I’m being told that a contractor is expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of this year. It’s likely to be 2024 before any construction gets under way. What is the delay?

“The project must be prioritised and progressed quickly. Having led trade missions, I know that Mullingar is viewed as an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI).

“This is an important facility which must be supported to allow that FDI flow into the region.”

The project forms part of IDA Ireland’s 2021-2024 strategy aimed at enhancing regional development.