200 jobs a welcome development for Westmeath but more needed

200 jobs a welcome development for Westmeath but more needed – Penrose

Labour TD for Longford Westmeath, Willie Penrose has welcomed the announcement of 200 jobs with retailer Mr. Price, to be created over the next three years in Athlone but said the IDA needs to up it’s game to ensure the Midlands and Mullingar are marketed as an investment location.

Commenting on the announcement Deputy Penrose said:

“Today’s announcement is a very welcome one for Westmeath. The new distribution centre will mean 80 jobs created in Athlone before Christmas this year, and there are 200 jobs promised over the next three years. These jobs will be a boon to the local economy and further development of Westmeath industry.

“Athlone is an excellent location for such a development, with great local connectivity to transport links and plenty of amenities which are no doubt just some of the reasons why Mr. Price has decided to locate here.

“The development will amount to a €2.5 million investment in the Midlands. I hope that this level of investment from a private company will encourage to the likes of the IDA to consider intensely promoting the Midlands and especially Mullingar as an ideal location for inward investment. I have been campaigning for the IDA to secure greater investment in Longford, Westmeath and the greater Midlands area. Mullingar has a business park that must be prioritised and promoted for inward investment.

“This investment serves yet again to highlight that the impact of dispersal of industry to the regions which have not been favoured to date by entrepreneurs and investors, has to be the central focus of any new development strategy. The IDA must recognise the challenge for us here in the Midlands in attracting foreign direct investment, and redouble their efforts in this regard”