From left, Barry Keogh, chief executive, Westmeath County Council; Paul Gavin, portfolio manager, IDA Ireland; Denis Curran, head of Regional Enterprise Development and Strategic Property, IDA Ireland; Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council; Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke, TD; Sarah O’Connell, head of Strategic Property, IDA Ireland; Deirdre Reilly, director of services, Westmeath County Council. Photo: Melissa Mannion

IDA and council sign planning MoU for new facility at business and technology park

IDA Ireland and Westmeath County Council gathered in council chambers recently for the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaboratively deliver an advanced planning permit for an advance technology building (ATB) at Mullingar Business and Technology Park, Ardmore.

This will commence the process for the procurement of a suitable multi-disciplinary design team to develop the planning application for the advanced building.

Speaking at the signing, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke, TD, said: “The signing of this MoU is welcome news – this application has the potential to support investments from FDI and also indigenous industry across a number of sectors.

“This partnership between IDA Ireland, an agency of my department, and Westmeath County Council will enable the continued supply of strategic property solutions to attract investment to the region.”

Denis Curran, head of Regional Enterprise Development and Strategic Property, said: “As set out in IDA Ireland’s Strategy Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth, the availability of a sufficient supply of quality, marketable, serviceable property solutions is core in supporting our work in attracting and winning investment.

“Advanced planning permits provides IDA Ireland with maximum flexibility across our property portfolio and future proofs our property programme, ensuring it remains agile and highly responsive to market demands. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Westmeath County Council.”

Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, said he and his colleagues welcome the signing of the MoU and look forward to continuing their collaboration with the IDA.

“This MoU marks a significant step in the council’s economic strategy, aiming to provide top-tier property solutions for potential job creators.

“Mullingar is well placed to benefit from such projects and they will assist the midlands to become a leading region for advanced manufacturing and digitalisation attracting jobs and investment.

“Projects such as this greatly enhance our joint ability to attract business to our county.”