Public meeting in Shannonbridge on long-term job creation

A public meeting to discuss long-term job creation for Shannonbridge and the West Offaly region will take place at the Community Hall in Shannonbridge on Thursday next, August 27, at 7pm.

The meeting has been organised by Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly in response to the reduction in job creation locally by both Bord na Móna and ESB.

Local residents, businesses, community organisations and public representatives are being urged to attend the meeting, which will discuss proposals that could transform the region into a centre for new enterprise, long-term employment. A statement from Mr Mullooly said the meeting would also examine “a new initiative to get proper funding in the next European Commission budget for areas affected by a just transition”.

The Independent Ireland MEP said: “I have one company in particular in mind who have a proven and tested track record in creating employment, who can grow their business from 30/40 jobs initially to 100 direct jobs within the next five years.

“I have spoken at length with this company and I am not the only one impressed with their plans, in fact the project has already received backing from Enterprise Ireland, with funding secured towards the planning process.”

Mr Mullooly spoke of local residents being forced to embark on long commutes out of the region for work, returning late into the evening and spending endless hours driving or travelling in the process.

Shannonbridge, he said, has “an excellent location” and its community wants to see “a regeneration” of the area from an employment perspective.

“This meeting is about bringing all stakeholders together to fully discuss the options,” he said.

Mr Mullooly recently raised the issue in the European Parliament, and said he received strong support for a report he proposed which calls on governments to make state and semi-state lands and assets available to support replacement employment as part of the EU’s Just Transition commitments.

The former RTÉ Midlands correspondent and now-MEP added that invitations had been extended to TDs, Senators and local councillors from across the region to participate in the discussion on job creation.

“Everyone with an interest in the future development of Shannonbridge, the surrounding areas and the wider Offaly region is encouraged to attend next Thursday,” Mr Mullooly said.