Burke writes to minister in effort to highlight Mullingar IDA Park

Cathaoirleach of Mullingar Town Council Cllr Peter Burke has written to the Minister for Jobs and Innovation Richard Bruton in an effort to ignite momentum behind Mullingar's case for inclusion in any upcoming decisions on industry being directed to areas outside Dublin."I have to show leadership on this issue," the Fine Gael Councillor explained."When I see a vacant IDA Business Park and minimum visits being made to it per annum, I have no choice but to ask serious questions."Minister Bruton is not going to able to solve this issue on his own, but if Mullingar's current situation is highlighted to him, then I would be hopeful that better structures will be put in place to allow us to attract the kind of investment we are looking for."Cllr Burke thinks the government should be complimented on the foresight shown in setting up its recent trade discussions with China, especially considering the kind of agricultural potential in a county like Westmeath."I would be hopeful that this kind of dialogue can lead to greater rewards for our young people," he said."Minister Bruton and I know each other from the time he opened my constituency office and I found him to be the kind of political figure that will forcefully pursue the right policies in terms of job creation and start-up businesses."I made it known to him that the lack of manufacturing industry in the town is now a major obstacle for us to overcome and added that our town has been hit with recent setbacks on the jobs front."I have asked the Minister directly to comment on why there has being minimal visits to Mullingar IDA Park and to bring this issued up with the IDA."