'Game-changing' tech jobs on the horizon for Mayo
Significant progress is being made on the development of a new industrial, business, science and technology park on the outskirts of Castlebar.
The positive news has been confirmed by local Minister of State Alan Dillon.
The acquisition of a large strategic site near the newly upgraded N5 is now at an advanced stage, with planning for a state-of-the-art IDA Advanced Building Solution expected to be lodged in the first quarter of this year.
“This is a game changer for Mayo,” Minister Dillon said.
“We are laying the foundations for long-term economic growth by ensuring that Mayo has the infrastructure to attract high-value investment and create sustainable jobs.”
The multi-million-euro facility will be designed and planned in parallel with the finalisation of the site acquisition.
Once completed, it will provide modern, ready-to-go enterprise space for companies seeking to establish or expand in Mayo and across the west.
Minister Dillon highlighted the importance of this development as part of a broader economic strategy.
“Advanced planning is critical. This landbank will provide certainty for companies and act as a catalyst for future investment," he said.
"Over the past three years, I have worked tirelessly with the IDA and Mayo County Council to ensure this project moves forward.
“The new building, similar in scale and design to the Meissner Filtration facility on Breaffy Road, forms part of IDA Ireland’s new 2025–2029 strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently’, a national programme featuring 23 projects across 21 locations in eight regions.
Minister Dillon also outlined his intention to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to attract technology-based companies within the ICT sector and complementary industries to Mayo.
“My ambition is clear - to bring higher-paying jobs to the west and activate the local economy.
“Mayo has a unique advantage, located outside grid-constrained zones and benefiting from an abundance of renewable energy with surplus capacity. This makes Mayo an ideal location for data centres and technology-driven enterprises.”
He added: “The government will bring forward private wire legislation this year, enabling companies to directly connect to renewable energy sources.
"Combined with the CRU’s new position paper on data centres, this creates a significant opportunity for Mayo to be viewed by system operators and investors as a viable location for green enterprise parks.
"These measures will strengthen our competitive edge and attract sustainable, future-focused industries to the region.”