Analog plans to create 70 new jobs in Limerick

PLANS by Analog Devices bosses to expand its Raheen base can proceed after An Bord Pleanala rejected an appeal against the Limerick project.

The semi-conductor manufacturer sought planning permission to expand various production lines in a move which would lead to the creation of 70 new jobs.

The company has since outlined further plans to develop its plant in a move which will create 600 more positions in total.

One of Limerick’s biggest employers, there are already more than 1,200 people on the books at Analog.

Now, 70 more jobs can be created after the national planning appeals body rejected a bid by neighbouring farmer and former Limerick senior hurling boss Tom Ryan to halt development.

He claimed that the water course of the Loughmore Canal has not been maintained, and that expansion of the Raheen Industrial Estate has resulted in misconnections in the foul and storm water network.

As a result of this, he claims his land has been flooded, and his livestock impacted.

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“On public health grounds, no further development can be permitted in the Raheen Industrial Estate,” he wrote in a letter to An Bord Pleanala.

Agents for Analog Devices stated in response that the issues Mr Ryan raised were not in the control of the company.

They refuted any suggestion that the firm’s activities had impacted his lands, livestock or the surrounds.

The agents also state the Analog expansion would not contribute any additional surface water to neighbouring streams.

An Bord Pleanala agreed with a recommendation by its own inspector and granted planning permission.

The move was welcomed by Independent councillor Fergus Kilcoyne, who lives in nearby Patrickswell.

But he said more housing is needed for the additional workforce who will be moving to the area.

“In recent times, land has been dezoned in Patrickswell which I don't agree with. People need to be housed because Raheen is expanding at a fast rate,” he said.