Development of east Mayo industrial park in limbo

THE development of Swinford Industrial Park is in limbo.

Some tenants who have paid deposits on sites cannot access them, stalling job creation in the town.

Local Councillor Adrian Forkan wants to see engagement with government and the IDA so the business park can be progressed.

His call came at a municipal district meeting in a week where the former MP Moran Builders Merchants' premises at the park went up for sale having closed recently with the loss of 12 jobs.

Councillor Forkan described the park as being in 'a horrendous state'.

As owners or controllers, the council had to do something about it, otherwise it would turn into a dumping ground, he warned.

Moran's, he noted, had closed, leaving a huge void at the site.

“We have to do something to get businesses in there. That is what it was put there for,” he continued.

There are tenants who have paid deposits on sites but some cannot access them.

Councillor Forkan said he has met with Junior Minister Dara Calleary and tenants on-site to discuss the situation.

The council, he said, has to look for government support and engage with the IDA.

“If we are expecting people to develop businesses and to create jobs we have to do something. We have to work hard with the agencies,” he told management.

He was supported by Councillor Gerry Murray who said there were sites in legal limbo that have to be sorted.

"It wouldn't attract any kind of business as it currently stands," commented Councillor Murray.