Dundalk Chamber met with Aidan McKenna, Regional Director and Deirdre Craven. Regional Executive Enterprise Ireland last week.
The Chamber took the opportunity to outline its thoughts and to listen to Enterprise Ireland on the question of the North Est. Pat McCormick spoke about the DKIT’S role in encouraging entrepreneurship and in particular the successful start-ups in Health Care (Nova Leah) and engineering. The campus was developing a number of clusters and had seen a number of other success stories such as StatSports, Digiweb and others.
Paddy alone spoke of the M1 Corridor and our belief that this was the tool that could attract businesses to the region and particularly Dundalk. Paddy hoped that Enterprise Ireland would see the region as the logical place for UK and NI companies who an EU location need post Brexit. He also emphasised or attractiveness as a second location for existing businesses, particularly those chocked by Dublin.
Sean Farrell Vice President Dundalk Chamber indicated that retail was faring better than expected and that there was still confidence despite Brexit. This was down to the falling level of unemployment and the increase in population.
Paddy Matthews suggested the need for both office and incubation space. He mentioned a number of empty buildings that could be converted.
Aidan and Deirdre responded by indicating that they were happy to work with the Chamber and were actively using the data gathered by the M1 Corridor to explain to both clients and potential clients the advantages of the region. Both stated that the designation given to Louth with two Regional Centres, Dundalk AND Drogheda together with the proximity of Newry meant the area is receiving its proper attention.
The meeting concluded with all sides agreeing to support each other in every way they can.
Attachments
- Enterprise Ireland Meeting (pdf/30 KB)
