Advance factory for New Ross in state of limbo due to Ireland’s ongoing ‘trade tensions’ with US government

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The long-running saga that is the advance factory in Butlersland, New Ross shows no signs of coming to a conclusion with Wexford County Council (WCC) now being urged to sever all ties with the IDA (Industrial Development Agency). Following news that a deal with a potential investor for the site had stalled last year, local councillors requested a meeting with the IDA to discuss how to move the progress forward.

However, in the wake of comments made by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, in which he said the IDA was reluctant to invest in Co Wexford because of ongoing “trading tensions” with the the US, New Ross councillor Michael Sheehan has suggested progressing without external supports.

“The IDA has no interest in New Ross, it has had no major visits here,” he said at the September meeting of the New Ross Municipal District. “And now the minister is blaming Donald Trump for the lack of investment. We could develop that site into a business park similar to the one in Ardcavan outside Wexford town.

“Just for perspective, Enniscorthy has a building, sponsored by the IDA, which is now going for planning. That was approved in the same year as the site in Butlersland, which gives you an idea of where we are in terms of priorities.”

Councillor Bridín Murphy was similarly dismissive of the suggestion that trade issues with the US were preventing development on the site.

“When did the IDA last visit the site?” she asked. “I would have concerns about its interest in it. I appreciate there are issues with the US at the minute but there are other markets the IDA could be targeting.

District manager Alan Fitzhenry confirmed he would contact director of services Liz Hore with the councillor’s concerns.