Glan Agua and MEIC to create 60 new jobs in Galway

Waste water company Glan Agua and civil engineering company MEIC are to create 60 jobs in Galway over the next five years.

Both companies are subsidiaries of Mota-Engil which is expanding its operations in the Republic through the two companies and creating a UK and Ireland headquarters.

The companies are owned by the Mota-Engil Group, a firm in the construction and infrastructure management sector in Europe, and by GKM, a holding construction company.

The establishment of headquarters is designed to assist in the Group’s plan to increase operations within the environmental engineering and construction sectors.

Founded in 2008, Glan Agua is a provider of design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance services within the water and wastewater sector.

The company, which currently employs 63 people, began operations in the Enterprise Centre in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The move to larger premises was necessary to support Glan Agua’s expansion.

Mota-Engil chief executive Gonçalo Moura Martins said: “Mota-Engil is reaffirming its commitment to this market and our intent to continue to invest in this country in order to be a leader in the technical areas in which we operate.

“We are also committed to developing career opportunities and training for young local engineers to expand our activity not only in Ireland but also in the UK.”

IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said the project "adds a new client business to IDA's growing engineering base in Ireland and delivers a quality investment for East Galway which is a key regional location for IDA, creating an extra 60 high value jobs".

Minster for Jobs Mary Mitchell O Connor said she was “delighted” the move would benefit Loughrea and the surrounding areas.

“One of my priorities as Minister is creating an environment where job growth can thrive, particularly in rural Ireland,” she said. “I believe only a strong economy supporting people at work can pay for the services needed to create a fair society.”

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Sean Canney said the jobs would be a "significant boost" to the region.

“It is great to see this company expanding, creating extra jobs which will be a significant boost to Loughrea and the wider region,” he said.

“It’s very positive for a town the size of Loughrea to win an investment like this. It shows that companies can locate in regions once the necessary infrastructure and skilled workforce is available.”