80 Macroom jobs dependent on rezoning vote

A CRUCIAL rezoning vote on a e4.5 million mixed-use project could deliver up to 80 new jobs to a Cork town.

Liam Fitzgerald, the owner of cut-price filling station chain, Amber Petroleum said he is confident the nine members of Macroom Town Council will vote in favour of his project on March 24.

He wants to build a new filling station, retail and office space, a new restaurant and shop on the 1.2-acre site of the former MJ Gleeson and Co Mineral Water Bottling Plant and Store on the Millstreet Road.

It is expected to provide up to 100 jobs during the construction phase and between 60 and 80 jobs when completed. However, the site is zoned for industrial use and must be rezoned for mixed use before the project can go ahead.

“This development will be an important economic boost for Macroom, both in the provision of much needed jobs and in bringing competitively priced fuel to the area,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “We have worked closely with council officials during the design of this project and our plan has been drafted with the council’s own Draft Development Plan in mind.”

A recent survey conducted by Amber Petroleum found that 62% of Macroom residents were buying their fuel in Killarney.