Page 82 - Our Wexford

PROPERTY SOLUTIONS

Although Wexford County Future Analytics to carry out an The central belief underlying this
Council has been successful in analysis of the prime office and strategy is that the Council should
attracting enquiries and IDA industrial property available for intervene and take a leading role in
client interest in the county, there inward investment in the four main ‘priming’ the development of the
is still lots to be achieved. Tony towns of the county. In summary, commercial property market with
Larkin, Director of Services for the report highlighted a shortfall in key initiatives of significant scale
Economic Development and high quality office and industrial across the county. This will form
Planning with Wexford County space in all four urban centres and the centrepiece of our economic
Council, discusses the challenges recommended various options in strategy for the next five years and
around property solutions and each of the towns to alleviate the in particular be focussed around the
the ambitious plans the County shortfall. four urban centres.”
Council has for the next five years.
The Council was quick to see
Traditionally, property solutions this as an opportunity, says Tony, ENNISCORTHY
centred on the development of sites “Wexford can see a valuable Tony is very familiar with the town
for new-build manufacturing plants return if the County markets of Enniscorthy, having been Town
and offices. In more recent times itself to mobile companies seeking Manager for many years and living
there is very little appetite for this investment locations on the east within the district. The Lisney report
type of option. Tony indicates that coast of Ireland, who either cannot highlighted that the construction of
things have changed when dealing find suitable properties or find the M11 Enniscorthy bypass and the
with inward investment: “Timelines existing Dublin city rent and wage development of the Flood Prevention
have truncated and typically an levels unsuitable for their needs.” Scheme with a new bridge opens up
ABOVE inward investor now wants to be This opportunity, he continues, the potential to the southern area of
Innovation House, operational on-site within a year. will not last long. “It is essential the town to create a modern business
Gorey
Coupled with the strong market that we have a selection of high park. “Based on this, Wexford
preference towards leasing property quality offerings available that County Council has purchased a
rather than owning, Wexford needs meet modern industry standards 40 acre site on the N11 from the
to be proactive if it is to meet this at affordable rent levels. From our Health Service Executive. Planning
need.” research, and from our knowledge on the new Park has commenced
of the property and construction and negotiations are underway with
In order to plan for the future, sector in Wexford, Wexford County
the County Council has done Council is of the opinion that a private sector interests on several
its research in the property area. fully private sector solution will sites, including a potential NZEB
During 2015, Wexford County not generate sufficient supply in Training facility.”
Council commissioned Lisney and
Wexford in the short-medium term.

82 OUR WEXFORD