Work begins on new IDA building – and second in pipeline for 2026

Construction has begun this week on the new Advance Building Solution (ABS) at the IDA Business and Technology Park, Ardmore, Mullingar, just under five years after the IDA announced it intended providing a building there.

It has also been revealed that a second ABS is in the pipeline for lands adjacent to the one on which work began on Monday, and planning is expected in 2026.

The sod for the new building was turned on Monday by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, alongside representatives of IDA Ireland and Tracey Brothers Ltd, the appointed contractor. The build is expected to take 14 months.

The project is part of IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme 2025–2030 and will deliver 4,727m² of modern office and light industrial/production space designed to be ready for an interested company to establish operations immediately on completion, reducing the lead time for job creation and investment.

“This new build-ready facility is a major boost for Mullingar and the midlands,” Minister Burke said. “It will provide high-quality, ready-to-go space for businesses looking to establish or expand here, strengthening the region’s reputation as a hub for life sciences, technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing.”

Minister Burke emphasised that regional development is a priority for his department. “The Regional Property Programme plays a central role in delivering property solutions that meet the needs of businesses, so that we have buildings ready to go when companies are seeking a location for investment. Mullingar is exceptionally well placed in this regard with excellent rail and road access, top-class internet connectivity, a skilled workforce, and proximity to Dublin and its airport,” he said.

The new ABS will provide 3,496m² of production space and 569m² of ancillary office space on two floors, with flexibility built in for future expansion. In line with IDA Ireland’s sustainability strategy, the building is designed to achieve leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) accreditation and nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) compliance.

Mary Buckley, executive director of IDA Ireland, said delivering high-quality property solutions is critical to regional growth. “Our regional property programme is central to ensuring a consistent pipeline of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional areas, supporting both existing and prospective clients. A dynamic property and infrastructure ecosystem can set us apart in attracting FDI projects, and we are delighted to initiate construction of this ABS in Mullingar and the Midlands,” she said.

The midlands has experienced strong FDI growth in recent years, and employment among IDA client companies has risen by 26% over the last five years.