Major progress on new IDA building in West Mayo

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has confirmed that work is progressing on the development of a new Industrial Business, Science and Technology Park on the outskirts of Castlebar, with the acquisition of a strategic site now at an advanced stage.

The proposed development is planned for land near the recently upgraded N5. According to the Minister, planning permission for an IDA Advanced Building Solution is expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2026. 

“This is a game changer for Mayo,” Minister Dillon said. “We are laying the foundations for long-term economic growth by ensuring that Mayo has the infrastructure to attract high-value investment and create sustainable jobs.”

The multi-million-euro facility will be designed while the site acquisition process is being finalised. Once complete, it will provide enterprise space for companies seeking to establish or expand in Mayo and across the West.

Minister Dillon highlighted the importance of this development as part of a broader economic strategy. “Advanced planning is critical. This landbank will provide certainty for companies and act as a catalyst for future investment. Over the past three years, I have worked tirelessly with the IDA and Mayo County Council to ensure this project moves forward.”

Minister Dillion also said that the scale and design of the proposed building would be similar to the Meissner Filtration facility on Breaffy Road.

The Castlebar project is part of IDA Ireland’s 2025–2029 strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently’, which includes 23 projects across 21 locations in eight regions nationwide.

“My ambition is clear: to bring higher-paying jobs to the West and activate the local economy Mayo has a unique advantage, located outside grid-constrained zones and benefiting from an abundance of renewable energy with surplus capacity,” he said.

“This makes Mayo an ideal location for data centres and technology-driven enterprises,” he added.

He further referenced planned private wire legislation and recent regulatory developments affecting data centres, stating that these measures could support the development of green enterprise parks and improve the region’s competitiveness for sustainable investment.

In addition to the Castlebar development, the Minister confirmed ongoing engagement on the proposed Strategic Development Zone at Ireland West Airport, Knock. He said a number of high-level meetings have taken place and that he expects to meet the SDZ Steering Committee early in the new year to assess progress.

“My focus is on delivery,  ensuring Mayo benefits from sustained investment in enterprise infrastructure, job creation, and regional growth, and many of these projects will help transform our economic landscape into the future.” He concluded.

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