MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL has granted planning permission for a new biomass power station at Killala in Co Mayo, in a move which is expected to create 220 full-time direct and indirect jobs.

The 50MW power station, being built by Mayo Power Ltd, will be constructed at Killala Business Park at Tawnaghmore just south of the town on Mayo’s north coast.

The two-year construction of the plant is expected to create 200 temporary building jobs. When finished, the plant itself will create 26 direct jobs, 75 ancillary posts, and 120 indirect jobs through growing, harvesting and delivering biomass to the facility.

The news has been welcomed by the Killala Chamber and Development Association, which described the approval as “a massive boost for the region at a time when investment is scarce.

“Renewable energy can play a huge role in helping this country out of recession, and this project will unite workers and local growers of biomass in moving forward with renewed confidence,” the group said in a statement.

The association will hold an open day for the plant’s constructors within two weeks to try and give local subcontractors a direct opportunity to engage with the builders.