The Bia Innovator food project that is expected to create 360 jobs in Athenry is set to move towards construction, according to Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney.
Minister Canney said: “This is great news. I understand a letter of intent is being issued to the building contractor with a view to signing the contract within the coming weeks.
“I have been working closely with all the stakeholders throughout the process to ensure the project is brought to fruition as quickly as possible and I am delighted that we are in a position to move ahead.”
The project, which received a €3.6 million award from the Rural Regeneration Fund administered by Minister Canney’s department, is expected to move to construction after Christmas.
Minister Canney added: “This is a hugely important project that is part of the master plan for Athenry to realise its potential as a major centre for food and tourism.
“The plan envisages that the Bia Innovator will create 40 companies with 360 jobs and 2,400 training places in its first three years.”
The BIA Innovator Campus will be a 24,000 sq ft centre for start-up food businesses and entrepreneurs.
The campus will have four key components: BIA Obair will have 12 food-grade specialist production units; BIA Accelerate will include a Business Engagement Zone, a Business Information Centre and a Demonstration and Training Area, all aimed at supporting food businesses to grow and scale; Bord Eolas will be a dedicated learning environment aimed at providing specialist programmes for all those working in the food industry and will include a large demonstration kitchen and a Culinary Training Centre; and BIA Blas will provide a showcase for new product development, while delivering a fast network for trade buyers, suppliers and investors.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
November 30 2019