Minister Treacy Presents Galway Company with Shell Livewire Young Business Award 2000

Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce today (Thursday 18th May, 2000) presented Galway based Telecommunications Company, Celtel Communication Ltd, with the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award at a ceremony in Croke Park. Barry Harper and John Clancy of Celtel Communications Ltd fought off stiff competition from hundreds of other young entrepreneurs from all over Ireland to win the National Award.

The company which provides specialised telecommunications services to the retail and consumer markets was only established in October 1998. Currently employing 15 people, the company plans to double their workforce, over the next 18 months.

Presenting the Award Minister Treacy said "Fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship is what drives the creation of jobs, investment and growth, which in my view is critical to the long term prosperity of the Irish economy. Developing a thriving enterprise economy is a key goal for this Government."

The Minister continued "The Shell LiveWIRE Awards which I secured for Ireland last year, provide valuable recognition to many Small Businesses. They highlight the importance to our economy and our business culture of the need for people to be willing and able to start their own business. I am delighted to present this award and a cheque for £3,000 to Celtel Communications Ltd. I have been very impressed with the enthusiasm, energy and drive shown by this company since the first time I met them a few years ago. I know that the business has enormous growth potential and I would like to wish all at Celtel continued success in the future and I heartily congratulate the Directors and Staff."

Minister Treacy also congratulated WESTBIC and the Galway County and City Enterprise Board for their tremendous support for this project during the development period.