New state-of-the-art IDA facility is set to open in Mayo

IDA Ireland is 'confident' the newly-completed Advance Technology Building (ATB) at Drumconlon, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, will not be vacant for too long.

The facility, which was built as part of the IDA's €150 million five-year investment programme in regional properties, is scheduled to be officially opened by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, on Thursday, February 8.

It offers a turn-key property solution for companies interested in locating to the west region and is being 'marketed extensively' by IDA Ireland.

The agency was successful in securing tenants for the first buildings completed under the programme in Waterford, Athlone and Sligo.

The state-of-the-art building has 2,966 square metres of space over two floors and includes associated car parking, site services and landscaping.

No expense has been spared in ensuring it meets the highest in building and architectural standards, including leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED).

Access to the facility, which has the potential to create in excess of 150 new jobs, is from the N5 on Breaffy Road.

The decision to build the ATB in Castlebar was taken by the government during local TD Enda Kenny's term as An Taoiseach.

Since 2015, the IDA has been working towards targets set out in their strategy 'Winning - Foreign Direct Investment 2015-2019', including increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in every region of Ireland by 30% to 40%.

This programme aims to ensure property solutions are in place for overseas companies considering investing or expanding, thereby encouraging more FDI in regional Ireland.