Portwest warns of impact of HQ planning refusal

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION This is how the Global Head Office of Portwest will look at the Quay in Westport if planning permission is granted.

Material Contravention required if offices are to be located at the Quay in Westport

Anton McNulty

The failure of Portwest to get planning permission for their proposed €10 million global headquarters at The Quay in Westport could have a knock-on impact for the expansion of the Allergan Pharmaceuticals plant, according to a statement released by Westport based company.
Portwest plan to locate their new €10 million global headquarters on the old Pollexfen Mills on Roman Island at The Quay, Westport, where up to 150 people will be employed. Their current headquarters in the Westport Business Park is located beside the Allergan plant, who intend to use the Portwest site as part of the expansion of the plant, when it is vacated.
The Hughes Group, who own Portwest, have stated that if planning permission for the new headquarters at The Quay is refused, it could have consequences not just their company, but also for their neighbours.
“The intention of the Hughes family was to retain their existing headquarters in Westport Business Park beside Allergan and extend it to accommodate the projected increase in employees. Planning permission was applied for and granted.
“However, Allergan have an urgent requirement for expansion and the Portwest site is essential for them. Such a major employer must be facilitated in the interests of the town and wider area; their expansion should not be hindered or compromised.  
“This means that Portwest must find a new location for their global headquarters. Detailed reports have been commissioned investigating other potential sites for the Portwest headquarters in Westport, but the reality is that in such a compact town there are no other contenders,” Portwest said in a statement.
Portwest has been part of the Westport landscape since the early 1900s and in recent years they have undergone a massive global expansion. It is the world’s fastest growing safety products company and employs over 3,000 staff worldwide. The company say they have realistic targets of more than trebling staff numbers and reaching $1billion turnover within the next seven years.
Despite Portwest’s global growth in recent years, they state they have no intention of leaving Westport as their global headquarters. The area around the proposed Roman Island development is currently zoned for Marine Related Tourism with the objective to provide for marine related tourism development.

Material contravention
Mayo County Council recently issued a material contravention notice where members of the West Mayo Municipal District will have to vote to rezone the land. No objections have been lodged for the project but some concerns over traffic and parking along with possible interference with boating business have been lodged with the Council.
The project has been welcomed by some local businesses who feel that it will boost the economy of The Quay which largely relies on seasonal tourism. The Hughes Group does not believe that the development will have an negative impact on the area.
“The proposed office development would benefit The Quay in many ways while not interfering with its primary purpose relating to boats and connected activities. The 150 staff would bring as many new and welcome customers to restaurants, cafés and bars all year round. Substantial car parking is included in the plan. Additionally, the ground floor of the new building will incorporate a café and a textile museum which will be open to the public.
“A global headquarters of this size would be a coup for the business development agencies and towns around the country would fight to attract it. The local council vote will take place at the end of August and we believe it is in the best interests of Westport town that it succeeds,” said a spokesperson.

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