13th February 2024
Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Neale Richmond TD, visited the Kildare Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Kildare last Thursday (8 February) where he was introduced to some members of the LEO team, as well as some of their client companies.
The Minister was greeted at Local Enterprise Office Kildare by CEO of Kildare County Council, Sonya Kavanagh, Director of Services, Alan Dunney and Head of Enterprise Jacqui McNabb.
Minister Richmond said:
“I am delighted to be here in Kildare to visit the Local Enterprise Office, meet the team and their clients.
“The team here in the Kildare LEO are doing fantastic work in supporting businesses right across the county. In supporting over 260 companies, who in turn employ over 1,300 people across Kildare, the impact of the LEO speaks for itself. From financial supports to mentorship and training, there are a huge amount of supports available from the Kildare LEO.”
The Minister was introduced to Cara Sturgess, founder of Loinnir Jewellery, a contemporary Irish-themed jewellery collection that celebrates Ireland's design heritage. This led to the creation of 'Loinnir' which won ‘Best Idea' of Ireland Best Young Entrepreneur in the LEO Fingal Region in 2015.
Minister Richmond then met Jackie Sweeny of Kildare Candle Barn, a small craft candle business in the heart of the Kildare countryside. Jackie creates an extensive range of luxury home fragrance products, with hand poured Candles crafted with the finest home fragrance oils.
The Minister then met Kieran Galvin, Managing Director Natural Gourmet Food who source finely produced gourmet food products and house them under one roof for discerning buyers from businesses to foodies.
Mary O'Sullivan, Co-owner at Beara Bitters, who make organic Irish cocktail bitters, also met the Minister. Beara Bitters work with bars, hotels and restaurants to help them construct drinks menus that are high quality, innovative and interesting.
Minister Richmond met Tamzen Lundy, a textile artist and craft maker. Tamzen Lundy Design offers unique, fun gifts for adults and children, using recycled packaging and textile mill waste, and ensuring a low environmental impact.
Finally, Minister Richmond met Aisling O’Toole of Aisling's Taste of Home. Aisling’s Brown Bread recipe originated in her daughter Catherine's Autism Spectrum Disorder class and is now sold in Dunnes Stores nationwide.
On the conclusion of his visit, Minister Richmond said:
“It was a pleasure to meet the team and clients from the Local Enterprise Office in Kildare.Meeting businesses across the country is one of the best parts of my role and it is amazing to see the impact of the LEO’s work in practice.
“The entrepreneurs I have met today show the diversity of businesses that are emerging from Kildare and illustrate the possibilities that are open to anyone who wants to start or grow their own business. I would strongly encourage all entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Kildare to contact the LEO team to see what supports are available to you.”
ENDS
Back to Department News