24-05-2003

The future looks bright for Mountmellick

Tánaiste Mary Harney Announces 65 New Jobs at Opening of Bayroad Business Park

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mary Harney TD, The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mary Harney TDannounced the creation of at least 65 new jobs when she officially opened Bayroad Business Park in Mountmellick, Co. Laois recently. Considering the disbanding of the jobs task force in County Laois, the announcement is a tremendous boost for the town of Mountmellick and for the economy of the county as it is consistently distinguished for generating the fewest jobs in the Midland region. This development together with new enterprises that are emerging by local entrepreneurs will now reverse the trend.

Bayroad Business Park, a state-of-the-art development located along the N80 between Portlaoise (6 miles) and Tullamore (14 miles), will see the creation of at least 65 new jobs. Developed and built by Pat and Sean Flanagan of Owenass Residential Developments in Portarlington, the business park is the fastest growing industrial development in County Laois which means Mountmellick is now well on its way to becoming one of just been officially launched, an application has also been lodged by Owenass Developments to extend it by 70,000 sq. ft., bringing its total area to 95,000 sq. ft. which would provide further employment.

Welcoming the new jobs the Tánaiste said: "This is a much needed boost for the town of Mountmellick and is a significant development for the local economy. County Laois is one of the most strategically located counties in Ireland and I am delighted to see that Mountmellick, which was formerly known for its prosperous industries due to its location, has received this well-deserved development. Bayroad Business Park, which will sustain and enhance the commercial viability of Mountmellick as an industrial and commercial base, is a result of the significant efforts of Owenass Residential Developments and Enterprise Ireland and they are to be congratulated for such a successful outcome”.

Bayroad Business Park offers an excellent opportunity for first time or established businesses as custom-built units can be leased or purchased at very competitive rates. One of the main selling points of the scheme is the flexibility and variety of high quality office spaces and incubator units from 1000 sq. ft. to 4000 sq. ft. Specialised manufacturing and service requirements for food preparation and distribution, cold storage etc. can also be catered for. Current occupants at Bayroad Business Park include Lifestyle Mobility Ltd and Midland Steel Reinforcements. The business park is generating a high level of interest and Owenass Residential Developments are currently in negotiations with other potential occupants, some from as far away as Scotland and Wales.

It was with the assistance of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Laois County Council, Mountmellick Development Association (M.D.A.), Laois County Enterprise Board and Laois Leader as well as local politicians and business people that Bayroad Business Park was made a reality.

Sean Flanagan, Co-Director of Owenass Residential Developments, commented “Without the assistance and approval of local authorities, politicians and the Mountmellick community it wouldn’t have been possible to make Bayroad Business Park happen and we would like to extend our thanks to all who helped in the project. We would particularly like to thank Mr. Nick Mernagh, Enterprise Ireland and the management and staff of Laois County Council who were a source of exceptional help and encouragement. We are delighted to be able to contribute towards the development of Mountmellick and we hope that Bayroad Business Park will contribute towards restoring the town to its former state of prosperity”.

Mountmellick was formerly known as the ‘Manchester of Ireland’ because of the high level of industrial activity in the town. Its role as a leading textile producer during the industrial revolution of the mid-1700’s brought favourable comparisons to Manchester, the industrial centre of England at the time. However in the last century, the demise of the town has slowly been seen. In recent years there has been little employment created in the town with many people commuting to the major towns and cities for employment. However with the development of Bayroad Business Park and the creation of up to 65 jobs in the town, Mountmellick’s future as a vibrant rural region with potential for further growth looks very promising.

Nick Mernagh, Enterprise Ireland Director Midlands Region also welcomed the business park by saying : “Enterprise Ireland welcomes the vision of Sean and Pat Flanagan in providing the highest quality space for industrial and business purposes. This development compliments the excellent reputation of Mountmellick as a location for industry”.

Owenass Residential Developments Ltd. is a family run building company and was formed in 1991. Now one of the most active developers in County Laois, Owenass Residential Developments is run by brothers, Pat & Sean Flanagan. The company has an excellent pedigree, with many residential and commercial developments forming their impressive portfolio. Edenderry Business Park; FAS National Call Centre; Ashgrove and Manor Street, Mountmellick and Lough Gate, Portarlington being among their previous developments. Their attention to detail, overall standard of construction, finishes and landscaping has been greatly admired by many people throughout the construction industry. Like their previous developments, Owenass Residential Developments have utilised the most up-to-date infrastructure in the construction of Bayroad Business Park.

Laois Citizens Information Service

THE above will be in attendance every Wednesday at MDA, Irishtown from 10 am to 12.30 pm or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office. Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem are welcome to attend.

Lough Derg

A three day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 4, 5 and 6. For further details please contact Maura. A deposit is required.

St. Vincent’s Hospital Reunion: St. Vincent’s Hospital is hosting their annual staff reunion on Monday, May 26 commencing with Mass at 7.30 pm and followed by light refreshments.

Confirmation

Bishop James Moriarty celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation in Mountmellick parish for the first time on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 pm. Those receiving from the parish schools were as follows:

Clonaghadoo NS

Rosemarie Bermingham, Sarah Cooper, David Drumm, Megan Drumm, Sinead Gorman, Emma Lynch, and Gearoid Treacy.

St. Joseph’s GNS

Sean Turner, Limira Avkhadiyeva, Sarah Bergin, Saoirse Casey, Deboragh Comerford, Aoife Coss, Michaela Coss, Yvonne Deegan, Sabrina Dempsey, Chloe Doyle, Samantha Dunne, Anneliese Fenlon, Aoife Geoghegan, Claire Ging, Leanne Grennan, Sarah Hayden, Leann Kane, Sarah Kearney, Nicole Kelly, Aishling Lawlor, Sabrina Lawless, Karen Lawlor, Erika Lewis, Jennifer McCormack, Kathleen McDonagh, Aine McKane, Sinead Molloy, Pamela Murray, Amy O’Neill, Fiona O’Riordan, Emma Quinn, Mary Tuohy, Gemma White and Rachael Williams. Scoil Phadraig Noafa-Ronan Biship, Roberto Cashera, Gary Christie, Robbie Conran, Stephen Conroy, Matthew Crowe, Robert Dempsey, Philip Doolan, Gary Dowling, Robert Dowling, Adam Dunne, Paul Fitzgibbon, Gary Fitzpatrick, Sean George, James Holohan, Michael Horan, Cian Hyland, Patrick Joyce, Troy Keenan, Patrick Lawlor, Daryl Malone, Edward Melia, Alan Moss, Brendan Nicholson, Mark O’Meara, Cian Power, Brian Quigley, Anthony Quinn, David Santry, Jason Smith, Brendan Tuohy, Adam Walsh, Patrick Ward, James Deegan, and Stephen Rivillas.

Macra News

The club congratulate Jane Smith who is representing Laois in the Queen of the Land Festival and to Kieran McEvoy who is representing the club and Laois in the Summer Sun Festivals. Best of luck to them both.

Special Olympics

Meetings of Mountmellick Host Town committee members, families and volunteers will continue each Monday night at 8.30 pm in the Macra Hall, Patrick Street, until the Peruvian delegation arrive on Sunday, June 15.

Fine Gael

The Fine Gael party would like to thank the public most sincerely for the tremendous response to the national collection held on the Bank Holiday weekend. Members of the public wishing to join Fine Gael can do so by contacting Paddy Buggy.