An artist’s impression of the new Pramerica facility.
AN Bord Pleanala (ABP) has rejected appeals by local businessmen against a decision to grant permission for a new multi-million euro home for Donegal’s largest employer – Pramerica.
Earlier this year, Donegal County Council granted permission to Extraspace Solutions Ltd for a massive office facility at the IDA Business and Technology Park on the Business Park Road at Carnamuggagh Lower, Letterkenny.
That was appealed to ABP by a Letterkenny company called Bomac Ltd as well as Mr Laurence Blake and former council planner, Mr Jim Harley.
However, ABP this today decided to uphold the council’s decision and construction is expected to start in the New Year. More than 300 new jobs are expected to be created when the new facility opens.
The proposed development will comprise four, three storey, linked office blocks, central reception area with dining room and a commercial kitchen. It also includes a security gatehouse, provision for 150 bicycle stands as well as an artificial lake.
Then new development is to be constructed in four phases, and will be located behind the new SITA building, opposite the An Post sorting warehouse.
Pramerica currently employs 1,160 people, the majority of whom are located at Windy Hall, however, it also has 90 ‘desks’ at Spencer House at High Road, Letterkenny where the company has leased temporary accommodation since early last year.
The Mayor of Letterkenny, Sinn Féin’s Cllr Gerry McMonagle, has welcomed the ABP announcement and that Pramerica’s application to relocate within the town has been upheld.
“I very much welcome the news of Pramerica’s relocation. The 350 jobs that this will create are badly needed and very welcome,” he said.
“This is further evidence that County Donegal, and Letterkenny in particular, is a great place to do business and invest.
“I look forward to the continued growth of Pramerica and I hope that similar businesses will continue to identify Donegal as a place to locate, due to the availability of a highly skilled workforce situated in the most scenic county in Ireland.”
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