New business is 'fantastic news' for Mayo town

Councillors have welcomed plans for a new Pro Rail Academy in Kiltimagh.

The promoters of the facility have received planning permission to develop a derelict site on the Knock Road.

Cllr Adrian Forkan raised the issue at the September meeting of Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District, highlighting the importance of the investment for both Kiltimagh and Mayo. An innovation, research and development Hub will also be developed on the site.

Describing it as a positive investment, Cllr Forkan noted that the innovation hub and academy will provide training for students from across Ireland and the UK.

“Towns like Kiltimagh need this type of investment to keep them alive. Whether it be 15 or 20 full-time jobs and 30, 40, 50 students a year coming from both the UK and our own country, they have to stay somewhere and eat somewhere, it's fantastic news for Kiltimagh,” he said.

He expressed his delight for Ed Maloney and his wife Siobhan, who are running the project, saying they had both put a huge amount of work in behind the scenes to get the academy off the ground. 

"They moved home [and] are living in Kiltimagh. They both went to school here before going elsewhere to get involved in the rail industry. They have moved back home now, and it’s fantastic news for the town."

Cllr Forkan also complimented the planners at Mayo County Council for their foresight in recognising what the development will bring to the county.

Cllr John Caulfield also welcomed the development, pointing to a similar project in Kilkelly. He said enterprises such as these help keep families in the area and retain jobs in rural communities.

“That is where the future is, keeping families in work in these areas. It's great to see small enterprises succeed.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.