IDA Ireland has rejected a request to construct an advanced building in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Labour spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Willie Penrose TD, wrote to the investment agency earlier this year to ask for a similar building in Mullingar Business & Technology Park like those planned in Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Sligo, and Athlone.

Deputy Penrose has slammed the recent update as "deeply disappointing", calling for Mullingar not to be left underdeveloped.

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He said: "There are a number of advanced buildings planned across Connaught and Munster, but only one planned in the Midlands - Athlone. There is more than enough talent in our workforce and infrastructure in Westmeath to warrant a second building in my opinion.

"The site in Mullingar is shovel ready now. The IDA repeatedly tell Deputies such as myself from the Midlands that investment in the region is a priority, yet here we have a shovel ready site, in a large town which is calling out for more investment, and we are fobbed off.

The Labour man has also thrown his full support behind Westmeath County Council, which has applied for planning permission for a similar building.

(CM/MH)