Expansion Of Two Companies In Laois To Bring "Huge" Jobs Boost

Wednesday, 1 June 2022 11:28

The local authority has sold two sites in the J17 National Enterprise Park.

The expansion of two companies in Laois is being welcomed as a huge jobs boost for the county.

Laois County Council has sold two sites in the Junction 17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise.

One tract of 2.6 hectares is going to Allwood Architectural Joinery for €700,000 plus VAT.

It's a local family business, currently operating out of Ballymacken, Portlaoise.

The other 1.2 hectare site is being bought by Zeitgeist Spirits Limited - a distillery company based at 27 Deerpark Road, Castleknock, Dublin - for €340,000 plus VAT.

However, disagreement arose among councillors at their latest meeting this week over the value for money for the taxpayer.

The business park was purchased by Laois County Council from Supermac's boss Pat McDonagh for €7.2 million.

However, the local authority has so far made back €3 million through the sale of seven sites.

Fine Gael councillor Aisling Moran questioned how the Council sets the prices for land;

"The first one is going for €700,000 and the second is €340,000, so there's quite a substantial difference for two pieces of land in the same area."

Director of Services Gerry Murphy said the council got these sites valued in 2021, and the prices reflect the valuations. The amount in relation to the second one is greater than the valuation of the property, he said.

"Can I ask for a full itemised breakdown of all the costs in relation to J17, and all the money that came in?", said Cllr. Moran.

Mr. Murphy replied that Cllr. Moran had received the most up-to-date information at the last meeting.

Independent councillor Ollie Clooney added that he would like to see investment of this nature in every town in Laois.

"We have to inject some life into rural Laois," he said. "It's not all about Portlaoise."

The Labour Party's Noel Tuohy said that job creation would not be confined to Portlaoise. He also said he respected any councillor's right to balance and check the finances involved.

"I sense a resentment towards any questions," he said.

Councillor Aisling Moran added, "I do think it's a great project, but I just want to balance it."

Speaking to Ronan Berry on Taking Care of Business, Fine Gael councillor Thomasina Connell has been welcoming the economic boost to the county: