Ballina seen as 'third-world institution' says councillor amid calls for progress on massive project
A meeting of the Ballina Municipal District heard calls for progress on the IDA park project on the Sligo Road in the town
A local councillor has expressed concern that Ballina is being considered ‘a third-world institution’ within the county and called on Mayo County Council to ‘fight’ to get the IDA (Industrial Development Agency) site on the Sligo Road open for business.
Cllr John O’Hara sought an update on the progress that has been made on the development at last week’s meeting of the Ballina Municipal District.
He said a lack of significant progress to date has hampered the progress the town is making and will ultimately result in Ballina missing out on attracting businesses and companies to the area.
The agency has owned around 11 hectares of land on the Sligo Road, Quignashee, Ballina since 2008.
“I know there are businesses in Dublin prepared to make a move if we get the IDA site up and running. We are getting calls constantly looking for warehouses and other accommodation space.”
“We are being deprived by Mayo County Council and they need to fight to get this open. There are not even any signs in Castlebar directing people to come down here, Ballina is being treated like a third-world institution.”
Cllr Michael Loftus said it was past the time to decide on the IDA site. He said he knew of a businessman ready to create 10 jobs in the Ballina area but was unable to find a location to set his business up.
“There is no point waiting and waiting. There is no reason the planners can’t adapt something, that should be a number one priority in our Local Area Plan.”
"Why can't we develop our industry here?" he said.
Cllr Seamus Weir said it was disappointing to have a strategic road such as the N26 and for 'nothing to be happening' on it regarding this proposed development.
Head of the MD Declan Turnbull said the big issue for the IDA site is that it is outside the town’s speed limits and the TII will not allow the development.
He said the TII does make exceptions and a business case could be put together to allow the TII to consider an exception.
He added that the alternative exit out onto the Creggs Road would be more dangerous for traffic.
