Change to development plan set to pave way for new jobs in Limerick

COUNCILLORS have helped clear the way for a major expansion of a medical company in the county.

Croom Medical, which exists to deliver orthopedic implants and medical components, is seeking planning permission to expand its facility in the town.

The move will bring 30 new jobs, with the extension involving a light industrial manufacturing area, and extra office space at one of the area’s largest employers.

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As part of the project, Croom United soccer club will get a new sports ground.

While it is the role of council planners to decide on the planning application - with a decision due next month - members had a big role to play on this occasion.

That’s because the application involves going against Croom’s local development plan which governs what can be built in the area and why.

It’s the role of councillors - and councillors only - to decide if an exception can be made to the development plan. Had they decided against this, then planners would have had little option but to reject Croom Medical’s bid to develop.

However, in the event, members allowed the change to the development plan by 34 votes to none, which represents the three-quarters majority of council members needed for these applications.

It’s a move which paves the way for a formal decision from council planners on Tuesday, August 6.

In documents presented to the planning authority, agents for Croom Medical wrote there’s the opportunity for “significant expansion of our manufacturing capabilities, incorporating the latest in technology and process innovation. to fulfil the needs of global clientele.”

“This new facility is envisioned to host additional production lines, state-of-the-art research and development laboratories and expanded warehousing, all aimed at boosting operational efficiency, scalability and innovation,” the firm’s agents added.

Planning director Vincent Murray acknowledged that it is “very rare” for councillors to be asked to step in this fashion.
Independent Ireland councillor John O’Donoghue, who serves the Adare-Rathkeale district in which Croom Medical is located, said the expansion is of “huge importance” to the area.

“We have high-end jobs there. There are 170 jobs in total. These are jobs which would otherwise go to the likes of Raheen. Croom needs this,” he said.

Fellow Adare-Rathkeale councillor Bridie Collins, Fianna Fail, added passing this is “vital”.
She said: “I think it’s very important for Croom we support this and get this through on the understanding there is no disadvantage to the soccer club.”

Fine Gael council leader John Sheahan added: “There is a strong will here today to accommodate this medical company in Croom.”

If Croom Medical gets permission, it will be the second extension it will have been approved for in the last three years, with a €12m expansion paving the way for 80 jobs in 2022.