Decision imminent on IDA proposal for Mayo site

A planning application in respect of IDA Ireland lands in Ballina is currently being finalised, Mayo TD Alan Dillon has confirmed.

IDA Ireland owns 10.6 hectares of industrial zoned land on the Sligo Road in Quignashee, Ballina.

A previous planning permission was obtained for infrastructural development at the lands, but has since expired and a new application is now nearing finalisation.

Once developed, IDA Ireland lands in Ballina will be in much stronger position to be marketed as a location for indigenous and FDI investments.

Deputy Dillon said: “It was great to receive an update that IDA Ireland is now in the final stages of completing a new planning application to Mayo County Council, with whom they are working closely.

"Regrettably, Covid-19 has resulted in delaying the submission, as geotechnical site surveys and associated data analysis was required to finalise the planning application.

"The only item outstanding is the final confirmation of a feasibility response from key stakeholders to include in the planning application and I understand IDA Ireland intend to lodge the planning application on receipt of same.

"If the planning permission is approved, I will be working to ensure that the lands are developed as intended and ay further lapse in planning permission is avoided.

“I am also continuing to ensure work progresses at pace in developing the proposed Advance Building Solution by IDA Ireland in Castlebar.

"It is great to see IDA Ireland increasing their efforts in Mayo and this will pay massive dividends in the future as they build on their existing success stories in the county.

"I will also be seeking that they prioritise other locations in Mayo where suitable lands exist and particularly as the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport Knock progresses.”