Medtronic plans R&D expansion in Athlone

One of the town's big employers, Medtronic, has unveiled plans for more research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities at its base in Cornamaddy.

A new planning notice confirms the multinational's intention to submit an application to Westmeath County Council seeking approval for a new single storey R&D office extension with a floor area of 105 square metres of space or over 1,100 square feet on the south west facing elevation of the existing building.

One of the largest multinationals in Ireland, Medtronic employs over 4,000 people across five sites in Galway, Dublin and Athlone, where it manufactures airways products and the Cornamaddy site is also home to the R&D Centre of Excellence.

In addition, the medical company plans to change the use of an existing R&D lab in Athlone and part offices to a manufacturing site with a floor area of 78 square metres.

Another existing office would change use to an R&D lab with a floor area of 54 square metres as part of the project, according to the recently published planning notice for the medical device maker.

In 2022, Medtronic celebrated 40 years in Ireland, and it used the milestone to announce a $30 investment that would see its Galway workforce grow by 200.

The healthcare technology company announced plans at that time to establish a new global laboratory services team and up its investment in new product development in the city. It's unclear at this stage whether the new facilities planned in Athlone will result in any new jobs for the town. Medtronic has been contacted for comment on the new plans.

Last year Athlone-Moate Municipal District afforded the Medtronic, a major employer in Athlone, an address of recognition honour last year to mark their 40 years of operation in Ireland.

Medtronic was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota back in 1949 as a medical equipment repair shop by Earl Bakken and his brother-in-law, Palmer Hermundslie. It now operates in 150 countries employing over 90,000 people.