New jobs initiative for Ballinasloe area

Murphy pressing for new jobs initiative for Ballinasloe area 

Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon/ Galway Eugene Murphy is currently working on a potential new jobs initiative for the Ballinasloe region which would involve a joint approach by the LCDC enterprise wings of Roscommon and Galway County Councils.

Deputy Murphy has been in contact with officials in both Galway and Roscommon County Councils in relation to the possibility of establishing a joint initiative between the enterprise wings of both Local Authorities with a view to assisting start-ups and new businesses in the Ballinasloe region.

“The project is at an early and delicate stage but I would be hopeful that links can be established between both Roscommon and Galway Local authorities with a view to bringing a renewed focus on Ballinasloe town and region. I am anxious not to be entering into any false hope for people but I can very hopeful that we can get a joint initiative established between the county councils which will bring some new opportunities for the Ballinasloe area,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail TD pointed out that upwards of 3,000 jobs had been lost to the Ballinasloe region in recent years including job losses with St Bridget’s, Dubarry, AT Cross and the Rendering Plant while the recent decision by Glan Agua to announce 60 new jobs for Loughrea had been a big loss for the Ballinasloe area.

Deputy Murphy welcomed the announcement of 60 new jobs for the Loughrea area with waste water company Glan Agua but he has posed the question whether more could have been done to secure those jobs in the Ballinasloe area.

Waste water company Glan Agua and civil engineering company MEIC are to create 60 jobs in Loughrea over the next five years.

Both companies are subsidiaries of Mota-Engil which is expanding its operations in the Republic through the two companies and creating a UK and Ireland headquarters.The companies are owned by the Mota-Engil Group, a firm in the construction.

“Naturally I would welcome any new jobs announcement west of the Shannon but in this situation the expansion of Glan Agua is a gain for Loughrea but a loss for Ballinasloe. Redeployment is not always a suitable option for people and can cause inconvenience and I would query whether enough was actually done to explore the option of expanding the existing and creating the extra jobs in Ballinasloe.

Ballinasloe has suffered major economic setbacks in recent years and the town could have really benefited from an expansion and creation of extra jobs at the existing plant in the town,” said Deputy Murphy.