New rail academy a 'really positive investment' for east Mayo town

A NEW rail training centre that will attract students from across Ireland and the UK has been welcomed as a positive boost for Kiltimagh.

Planning permission has been granted for the Pro Rail Academy, transforming a derelict site on the Knock Road in what has been hailed as 'fantastic' news for the town and county by local Councillor Adrian Forkan, marking what he described as 'a really positive investment'.

The academy will provide specialist rail training for students from Ireland and the UK, creating jobs and a spending boost for the town.

Speaking at a municipal district meeting today, Councillor Forkan said: “This is exactly the type of investment that brings new opportunities locally while putting Kiltimagh on the map as a centre for rail skills and innovation.

“It’s fantastic to see - Ed Maloney and his wife Siobhan (Fitzgerald) coming back home to live locally and invest in the town where they both went to school.

“It is a very welcome development, and I look forward to supporting the project anyway I can.”

Councillor Forkan also paid tribute to the planners in Mayo County Council for their foresight in granting planning permission.

“Towns like Kiltimagh need this kind of investment to keep them alive,” he commented.

Councillor John Caulfield said enterprises such as this - and another one about to start in Kilkelly - are the spikes in the wheel that create jobs and keep families in the area, and that is the future.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme