Barry Callaghan with dad Gerry back up in running after the devastating fire that destroyed their Trim business premises earlier this year.

Trim council agrees to Callaghan land sale

Trim councillors have agreed in principle to sell a site of 0.3 hectares in the Eamon Duggan Industrial Estate to Barry Callaghan of Timeless Windows, whose premises was gutted by a devastating fire earlier this year.

At their meeting on Friday, Trim Municipal District councillors were asked to approve in principle the disposal of the 0.3172 hectares site by way of transfer of freehold interest for a sum of €55,000 plus legal costs. It was outlined that Mr Callaghan had sought the purchase of the land close to where the premises trading at Timeless Windows within the Eamonn Duggan Industrial Estate had been badly damaged by fire and that the new premises will allow the business to resume trading, giving employment locally.

Councillors were told that the land is no longer required by the Council and it would be of economic benefit to the town giving employment locally.

Director of Services Des Foley said: "The business had a fire some months back. It is great that we can re-accommodate that business in Trim, with 50 plus jobs. They had been temporarily located in Kilcock. We are largely out of sites in the Eamon Duggan Industrial Estate but this site did come back into our possession. It has worked that we have been able to facilitate Barry Callaghan."

Cllr Noel French welcomed the move and said he hadn't realised there were still sites available and asked if the council had other sites. Mr Foley told councillors that all other sites are either sold or committed. He added that there are a few sites that haven't been developed yet and they are talking to the owners about these as there is pressure for economic development in terms of existing businesses wanting to expand, as much as new businesses.

Cllr Joe Fox said: "It is great to see this business up and running after the tragedy of the fire," adding that the sale of the site meant they would be able to keep their employment locally and copper-fasten their commitment to Trim. The matter now goes before full council for final approval.

Separately, the council agreed to dispose of 0.0031 hectares of land at Johnstown Road/Glen Abhainn Avenue, Enfield to Gas Networks Ireland by way of deed of transfer for the sum of €500, to install a new DRI Unit.