Application lodged for two-storey food innovation centre in Leitrim
Leitrim Food Enterprise Zone CLG has applied to develop a new food innovation and training centre beside the existing Food Hub.
A planning application is currently at the pre-validation stage for the development of a new food training and innovation centre in Drumshanbo.
The application, submitted on June 11 by Leitrim Food Enterprise Zone CLG, seeks permission to demolish an old, unused building located adjacent to the existing food production unit, the Food Hub.
It also proposes the construction of a new two-storey building of approximately 796 m² beside the existing facility, which will comprise a food innovation training hub.
The proposed development includes supporting site works across the wider area, including internal road networks, car parking spaces, a bin storage area, an enclosed gas tank area, and external site lighting.
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In addition, the application seeks to provide a new pedestrian and cyclist entrance on the southern side of the site, linking into the existing footpath, as well as the erection of new signage at the front of the building and along the roadside, together with connections to services and all associated site works.
The development is located at Dowra Road, Drumshanbo (N41 X525).
When the Food Hub reached full capacity, Leitrim Food Enterprise Zone CLG was established to acquire and repurpose a long-vacant and unused chicken processing plant, BFN Foods, transforming it into a smart scaling hub for food enterprises.
The extension to BFN Foods is expected to deliver 10 food technology and innovation research and development units, 10-station shared food service laboratory suites, a food technology and innovation training laboratory, a dedicated research and development laboratory for occupation by an anchor tenant, 28 food preparation stations for the anchor tenant, and third-level access training facilities.
Funding of €238,943 was awarded in 2024 through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to support the development.