IDA Ireland hopeful to secure Longford town site for the development of an advance factory

IDA Ireland are hopeful to secure a site near Longford town for the development of an advance factory building.

The facility, which is hoped to be located within the N4 bypass, has long been sought by local representatives as a crucial step toward attracting a large-scale employer to the county.

IDA Ireland Midlands Regional Manager Carol Greene announced the positive news to councillors at yesterday's meeting of Longford County Council. 

An advance factory (advanced building solutions) are designed to attract multi nationals and other large manufacturers who require high quality facilities for producing their products or services.

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IDA has indicated that once construction begins, efforts will immediately focus on marketing the facility to potential occupiers.

Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath, Deputy Micheál Carrigy described the news as 'a hugely positive development for Longford'.

Deputy Carrigy added, “Securing a dedicated site for an advance factory is a major milestone in our efforts to bring high-quality, long-term employment to the region. It reflects the belief that Longford has the infrastructure, talent and ambition to host multinational companies and advanced manufacturing.”

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Deputy Carrigy believes the advance factory 'is a strong vote of confidence in Longford and our ability to compete for major investment'. 

He concluded, “I will continue working with IDA Ireland, Longford County Council, and the Department of Enterprise to ensure this project delivers real economic benefit and job opportunities for our local communities.”

Expressing his delight, Senator Joe Flaherty paid tribute to key officials in Longford County Council who worked to secure this important announcement and especially the Head of the Local Enterprise Office, Michael Nevin, 'who has been the link person with the IDA and a tireless advocate for county Longford'.

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Senator Flaherty remarked, "The news follows the commencement of construction work  on a further extension at the Technimark operation and the creation of 150 additional jobs there later this year. Neighbouring plants, Avery Dennison and Abbott are also pursuing ambitious growth plans. Job growth has never been as optimistic in the county.”

He went on to say: ”Many will remember when the last IDA advance factory was built and that premises initially housed Century Homes and is now home to a state of the art  and expanded Avery Dennison plant.”

Senator Flaherty stressed, "It is important that momentum isn’t lost now on this project and it is critical that the IDA moves to design, planning and build as soon as possible.”

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