TWO new investments have been confirmed for Baldonnel and Grange Castle near Clondalkin that will bring up to 1,200 jobs to the local area, it has emerged.
The official sod-turning ceremony for Mountpark’s €40m development of a logistics centre took place recently while the following day pharma giant Takeda announced a new €35m development in Grange Castle.
“It was brilliant to see ground break work at Baldonell where Mountpark is developing a €40m logistics centre that will create 850 long-term jobs as well as 120 construction jobs,” said Cllr Emer Higgins, who represents the area.
“The centre expects to generate a further 150 jobs in ancillary services and will be a huge positive for our area.
“I’m very proud to have been part of the cross-party campaign to ensure this site was zoned right to allow these jobs be created.
“Just down the road, the very next day, Takeda, announced a further investment in Grange Castle which will create over 70 jobs in their pharmaceutical plant.”
In total, the Baldonnell project will comprise three purpose-built high-bay logistics facilities, with the first phase, extending to about 120,000sq ft, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
Mountpark Logistics’ managing director Philip O’Callaghan, said this project will be the first of its kind in Ireland, built specifically for logistics purposes and to the standards demanded by global operators.
Cllr Higgins added: “Grange Castle and Baldonell are strategic locations right at the gateway to South Dublin.
“They are really well serviced by infrastructure and main roads including the M50 and the N7 and Outer Ring Road.
“To me, these are prime examples of the type of location we need to be utilising to create enterprise and employment in our county.
“Residents are currently being invited to have their say as to whether or not land behind Peamount Hospital should be zoned to facilitate the potential expansion of Grange Castle Business Park.
“I’d encourage people to use this opportunity to have their say.”
Cllr Higgins said that according to IDA Ireland, for every 100 jobs created by foreign direct investment, another 71 jobs are generated indirectly through spin-off trade.
“These two investments are good news,” Cllr Higgins added. “That gives you an indication of how important investments like Mountpark and Takeda are for our county.”