Call for support for medical device innovation hub in Mayo county town

CASTLEBAR could become a world leading medical device innovation hub.

Local Independent Councillor Harry Barrett has met with the founder of Eyedea Medtec Education, a highly respected global expert in surgical medical devices, who is setting up a world-first advanced medtech education centre in Connaught.

“This is a serious project, with huge potential,” said the Castlebar-based representative, who is calling on the local authority to provide support to ensure the county town is at the forefront of this technological innovation.

Damian Carr, CEO of Eyedea Medtec Education, is the 'only person in the world currently providing this type of education'. He’s also the author of the first technical guidebook on these devices and is a recognised leader in this field, explained Councillor Barrett.

“It’s about more than just education. Mr. Carr wants to use this centre to spark a new local industry here in Castlebar, one that creates stable jobs, attracts international investment, and inspires young people to pursue careers that save lives.”

Mr. Carr, who has extensive knowledge in this industry as well as an impressive contacts list, informed the councillor that interest is there from US-based companies in relocating and investing in Castlebar.

“That’s why I’m calling on Mayo County Council to set up a dedicated enterprise team to work directly with Mr. Carr. He is ready to invest in Castlebar. We need to make sure the council is ready to support him,” Councillor Barrett said.

“Castlebar can and should be promoted as a place where medical device production can thrive. We have the people, the skills and the ambition. Let’s back this, and let’s do it now,” he added.

Councillor Barrett pledged to formally raise this with council colleagues and will endeavour to support putting Castlebar 'at the centre of medical device production in the west'.