Launch of new €1m. training centre for mechanical and electrical trades

A new €1 million training centre for mechanical and electrical trades is to open in a previously derelict property in the centre of Ballaghaderreen.

Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, and the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, is to launch the new Mechanical and Electrical Training and Assessment Centre (METAC) at the Mill Business Park on Monday.

The project - led by Future Cast - has transformed a derelict property in the centre of Ballaghaderreen into a purpose-built training and assessment hub with state-of-the-art equipment, 16-person classrooms, and dedicated workshop spaces accommodating eight to 10 learners.

Future Cast is a not-for-profit centre for innovation, education and R&D for the construction, manufacturing and quarrying industries. Based in Co. Leitrim, it is the trading name of Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG.

It is hoped that METAC will breathe new life into a region, which has experienced job losses from the closure of Bord na Mona peat-burning power stations, by re-skilling locals for the future of work.

Minister Dillon will be in Ballaghaderreen to mark the opening of METAC at 3 p.m. on Monday. The launch will be an open event, with construction and engineering industry and training providers encouraged to attend.

METAC is funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF). Through the EUJTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support scheme within this fund, which is administered by Pobal, the EUJTF contributed €800,000 to the €1m. cost of the centre, with €200,000 coming from industry companies. The fund was set up to support workers impacted by the transition away from fossil fuel industries.

METAC is designed to advance skills development, professional certification and innovation across the construction and engineering sectors. METAC offers programmes in electrical safety, automation, robotics, engineering and design software, mechanical systems and advanced welding. Training is delivered by a combination of Future Cast trainers, industry-specific specialists, and QQI-certified providers.

For a complete list of training workshops available at METAC and make enquiries, visit the Future Cast website (www.futurecast.info/metac).

Said Minister Alan: “The launch of the METAC training centre in Ballaghaderreen is a powerful example of how targeted investment and collaboration can drive regional renewal. This facility not only revitalises a once-derelict site but also provides a vital pathway for workers to gain the skills needed for the green and digital economy.

“Through the support of the EU Just Transition Fund and the commitment of Future Cast, we are empowering communities to embrace opportunity, resilience, and innovation.”

Future Cast CEO JJ O’Hara said: “The opening of our new METAC training centre is a tangible example of what can be achieved when local innovation meets national support. Today marks a major milestone for Ballaghaderreen and the Just Transition wider Just Transition region.

“This centre is about more than just skills development - it’s about creating real opportunities for local people. Thanks to the support of the EU Just Transition Fund and Pobal, we are equipping communities and workers with the tools to shape a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Clare Bannon, acting director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, added: "The opening of the industry training centre for mechanical and electrical engineering in Ballaghaderreen exemplifies the aims of the EU Just Transition Fund programme. Educating, retraining and upskilling individuals will help to bring job opportunities and economic diversification to communities of a region that has historically depended on the peat industry. Training programmes like this, which enable diverse and local communities to adapt and thrive in in-demand sectors, are crucial for ensuring an inclusive green and digital transition."

Pobal CEO Anna Shakespeare said: "Pobal is proud to support this initiative, led by Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG (Future Cast) under the EU Just Transition Fund, which represents a significant investment in skills development for the construction industry. The establishment of this modern training facility is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy by fostering job creation and supporting the diversification of livelihoods.

“We particularly welcome the centre’s focus on the migrant community in the region, which reflects a strong, long-term commitment to inclusive development and to reaching those most vulnerable and affected by unjust transitions.

“We wish Future Cast well with their work in advancing efforts toward a just and sustainable transition to a low-carbon economy."