Suitably zoned and serviced sites 'paramount' to win new investment for Laois - IDA

The availability of suitably zoned and serviced sites is paramount for Laois to win new investment, IDA Ireland has said.

The agency, responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, was commenting on the planning application they have submitted to Laois County Council to extend the internal road network and construct two new bridges at their Business park in Portlaoise.

"The planning application refers to the extension of the internal roads and services at the IDA Business and Technology Park in Portlaoise, Co Laois. The proposed development will provide access to the recently acquired lands adjacent to the existing IDA Park, which are zoned for Enterprise & Employment uses under the current Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2018-2024," said a spokesperson for IDA Ireland.

The planning application lodged seeks to improve lighting, extend a road and build new bridges on the site on the Mountrath Road in Portlaoise.

The plans seek “an extension to the existing internal road network from the T-junction to the South of the site, extending Westwards. The development will include a road extension (approximately 170 metres long), 2No. bridges over watercourses, associated footpaths, public lighting and all associated services and site works to facilitate the development.”
According to a Civil Engineer Planning Report submitted with the plans, “this project involves the extension of one of the minor access roads to accommodate future development in the surrounding sites. It is proposed to extend the access road approximately 170 metres West into IDA owned lands currently in agricultural use.”

A decision is due to be made by Council planners by July 18.