IDA buys land for future business needs

Photo: Cllr Frankie Keena pictured during a function when he was Mayor.

Over 56 acres of undeveloped land in Athlone has been acquired by the IDA for future industry needs, Fianna Fáil's Cllr Frankie Keena has confirmed to the Westmeath Independent.

This is an important part of its overall objective to fund the development of property and infrastructure in the region which supports the requirements of mobile Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Cllr Keena said on Friday, welcoming the move.

The lands are located to the north of Athlone, just off the N55 Ballymahon Road, adjoining the State Examinations Commission and Athlone Accommodation Centre, and approximately two kilometres from the town centre with the benefit of adjacent services and access to the N55 and M6.

A spokesperson for the IDA commented: “Having the right property solutions in regional locations is key to winning investment and this is a future-focused solution for the Midlands region.

The IDA spokesperson did not respond to several specific questions regarding the land purchase.

On August 12 last, the industrial agency submitted a planning application to Westmeath County Council seeking approval to erect some 1,075 metres of new 2.6-metre-high palisade fencing to secure the site’s perimeter at Lissywollen House, Lissywollen. The application also includes the replacement of existing gated entrance on the Ballymahon Road.

“Athlone is a designated regional growth centre under the National Planning Framework 2040 plan, and proudly hosts a large number of excellent companies in areas such as pharma, medical and ICT, thanks to the fantastic work of the IDA. Now, this additional massive land bank investment by the IDA in Athlone will provide opportunities to further build on past successes,” Cllr Keena remarked.

“In purchasing this land the IDA has clearly portrayed a very strong vote of confidence in the future of the town and Midland region which over time will pave the way to attract further FDI to this area,” he added.

Cllr Keena praised and thanked the IDA Regional Manager Ken Whitelaw and his team for all their work to date and for securing this land bank for future investment and job creation in Athlone.

He said the acquisition represents a competitive, high profile and future-focused solution for the region.