North Mayo investment to create 210 jobs

Mayo County Council has welcomed confirmation of €3.2m. government funding, under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund 2018, for the transformation of Ballina's 18th century military barracks into Ballina Innovation Quarter.

The investment will facilitate the creation of 210 jobs within three years.

Ballina Innovation Quarter will play a transformational role in positioning the town as an attractive location for investment, whilst providing local start-ups with an ecosystem and a platform from which they can grow and sustain their entrepreneurial endeavours.

The digital hub will provide 20 spaces for technology, digital media and internet companies to scale and grow alongside local enterprises and a distillery which will be established by SMAKS, an international private investor which will create jobs in the production of high-end rum.

Welcoming the announcement today, John Magee, Mayo County Council’s head of enterprise, said: “The project is a unique collaboration between Mayo County Council, a private investor, Moy Valley Resources and the Blackstone Launchpad at NUIG.

“Not only does the project address issues around urban decay and public realm improvements, but it also provides an important addition to the enterprise infrastructure in the region, thus becoming a genuine catalyst for urban transformation.

“When delivered, the Ballina Innovation Quarter will significantly increase the attractiveness of Ballina and North Mayo from an economic perspective and will unlock significant enterprise and entrepreneurial activity”.

Billy Lewis, CEO of Moy Valley Resources, outlined: “Moy Valley Resources are delighted to be part of the project for the Urban Regeneration of the Military Barracks, led by Mayo Counity Council in Ballina. 

“The project will provide, as part of the development, an Innovation and Technology hub which will be managed by Moy Valley Resources and will have a significant impact on the economic development of the town. 

"It will liberate the potential of the fibre-cable infrastructure of the town.  This is a true partnership project and we are grateful for all the support we have received in the town to date and are looking forward to seeing the benefits of the development for the North Mayo region.”