County’s largest employer files extension plan
THE county’s largest employer Integer (formerly Lake Region Medical) has applied for planning permission for a major extension at its New Ross plant.
The planning application was submitted to Wexford County Council on April 18 for a two storey extension to the front and side of the existing production facility with louvre screening to be located on the new roof.
The proposed extension will incorprate new two storey offices and a new reception with a two storey link corridor to the front of the existing facility and new single storey utility building to the rear, forming a new serice compound.
Modifications to the existing facade would complement the proposed extension and a new site entrance to the west of the site, including a new single storey security station (15 sqm) and new surface car park relocated from the footprint of the existion together with 50 car parking spaces and associated modifications to the new site layout.
A new 2.4m high security railing to match the existing fence area to the west of the facility is also planned.
Plans to build a major extension at Lake Region Medical under its previous owners were granted planning permission in 2014.
In May 2014 Wexford County Council gave the go-ahead for the construction of the two-storey extension, extending to some 8,153 square meters, to the front and side of the existing production facility. The proposed extension was due to include new two storey offices and a new reception as well as single storey utility buildings to the rear forming a new services compound. To complement the proposed extension there would also be modifications to the existing facade. Planning has also been granted for a new site entrance to the west of the site including a new security station and new surface car parking, which would replace car spaces relocated from the footprint of the proposed extension, together with 50 new car spaces to provide a total of 377 car spaces. In their planning documentation the O’Toole Partnership Architects stated that the original facility front facade is `quite dated’ in terms of architectural design and Lake Region Medical Ltd. were taking the opportunity to `rejuvenate’ the complex and give it a `facelift’. This extension is intended to be constructed in two phases over the lifetime of the planning permission. A company spokesperson declined to comment on its plans.
Integer represents the union of Greatbatc Inc, Lake Region Medical and Electrochem. Each week hundreds of thousands of guidewires are shipped across the globe from the New Ross plant and Integer are industry experts in developing and marketing medical devices to meet unique clinical challenges for stimulation therapy, cardiovascular, neurovascular, peripheral vascular and vascular access applications. A decision on the application is due in July.