Address by Mr. Noel Treacy T.D.,Minister for Science, Technology and CommerceAt the official launch of the Donegal County Enterprise Board WebsiteAt the Letterkenny Institute of Technologyon the 11TH June, 2001 at 5.30 PM

I am delighted to be back again in Letterkenny Institute of Technology for the Official Launch of the Donegal County Enterprise Board Website. Back in December 2000, I was here in the Institute of Technology at the Formal Launch of the Donegal County Enterprise Board’s E-Commerce Initiative. On that occasion there was over 120 people present in the dining hall of this Institute and on that day, in addition to officially launching the EMBARK Initiative, those present received their introduction to the Board’s Enterprise E-commerce Initiative.

On that occasion, I was struck by the level of enthusiasm and commitment of all those present on the day to grasping the opportunities of E-commerce. While there has been a significant change in the climate in relation to investment in the E-commerce and E-business sectors, the fact still remains that E-commerce is, and will continue to be, an essential element of doing business, both now, and more importantly, in the future.

While having a web presence may not be an essential need of each and every company whether a manufacturing, retail, or professional service for many companies their web presence will be vital for their future. A website can act not only as a brochure promoting your company to potential clients and customers throughout the world, but also:-

• as the doorway for any business person to enter your business, v
• view your products,
• communicate with you,
• invoice you,
• quote for business and
• pay for goods.

In the public sector, websites are a very important aspect of any public agency or Government Department. Agency websites such as the one that we are launching here today, is essential as the reference point for information for that Agency. We are in an "information age" and it is vitally important that new and updated information is available to hand at all times. The best source for the provision and accessing of such information is through an updated and current website.

I am delighted to see that the Donegal County Enterprise Board has redesigned their website and I understand from Michael and Ursula, that many of the changes have come as a direct consultation with those companies who participated on the EMBARK Initiative. The Enterprise Board has redesigned its site so that the information is more easily accessed and understood, without, I am told, so much of the jargon which many of us have become so accustomed to.

I am particularly delighted to see that the Donegal Enterprise Board which is funded by the Irish Government and the EU under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, through both its new strategic direction and its website, is formalising its active participation in the overall economic development of this County. I know that the Enterprise Board has played a significant role both in the development of air access to the North West and in the development of the Tourism Marketing Initiative in this county over the last four years.

The further development of the First Stop Shop, (as initially funded under the Small Business Operational Programme) as the focus for Local Economic Development in this county and as a reference point and source of information for a range of business related subjects, will I believe, give additional impetus to the drive for economic development within County Donegal.

As you know this Government has been particularly active over the last 3 years in working closely with Donegal County Council and other Development Agencies, i.e. IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Board in the provision of funding for economic infrastructure and in the refocusing of inward investment projects to the north west, but in particular to County Donegal. It is vitally important for this county that resources are made available at local level to complement Government Departments and National Agencies, and I am delighted to hear that the County Enterprise Board is taking on such a role.

I also understand that the Donegal County Enterprise Board is currently considering the further development of its website, so that it can act as a fully enabled e-business site for companies in County Donegal. Again, I understand that this decision was taken by the County Enterprise Board as a result of the EMBARK Programme and the representation by the Companies on the EMBARK Programme to this Board. I understand that tenders have been sought by the Enterprise Board for the further development of the Board’s website so that it will be enabled to provide this service for companies here in County Donegal. I will be very interested to see the level of demand for the service should the Enterprise Board decide to progress with this project.

It is obvious from the involvement of the EMBARK participants and companies in the strategy of Donegal County Enterprise Board that the first group of participants on the EMBARK Programme were highly motivated and involved.

It thus gives me great pleasure to present their certificates on completion of this programme and to do so on this very important day on which I formally launch the new Donegal County Enterprise Board Website.