IDA Reaffirms Commitment Locally

By Colm Croffy

Lyn Donnely, Ricky Coneely and Seamus Duffy pictured at Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub

A constructive and forward-looking meeting took place at Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub between Seamus Duffy, Chairperson of Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD), Lyn Donnelly, BACD Manager, and Ricky Conneely, Regional Enterprise Development Manager, IDA.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Ballinasloe’s strategic role in the IDA’s recently published Strategy 2025–2029. Mr Conneely confirmed that Ballinasloe has been identified as one of 11 key regional locations where the IDA plans to seek advance planning permission for future development, which would greatly enhance the town’s readiness to attract inward investment.

The inclusion of Ballinasloe in this forward-planning process is a significant recognition of the work carried out locally. In 2017, BACD, with the support of Ballinasloe Credit Union, successfully sought and secured planning permission at the site, which has now positioned the town favourably within the IDA’s regional development strategy.

At the April meeting, Ricky Conneely noted that the biggest potential for Ballinasloe lies in developing sub-supply chains to support large multinationals such as Dexcom and Novo Nordisk, both of which are investing heavily in the West of Ireland. Ballinasloe’s strategic location on the Galway–Dublin corridor, and its existing infrastructure, make it an ideal site for companies seeking regional supply chain solutions.

Seamus Duffy welcomed the news:
“We are very encouraged to see Ballinasloe named in the IDA’s long-term strategy. It validates the proactive steps taken by BACD and our community partners in ensuring that Ballinasloe is development-ready.”

Lyn Donnelly added:
“The Enterprise Centre and Enterprise Hub have shown what can be achieved when a community invests in itself. We look forward to working closely with the IDA to bring this next phase of development to fruition.”

This meeting represents a positive milestone in the town’s ongoing efforts to secure sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for the region. BACD will continue to advocate for Ballinasloe’s inclusion in all relevant national and regional planning frameworks.