Tánaiste Announces Support for Athy InitiativeEnterprise Ireland and FÁS to fund new resource

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment today (Wednesday 12th September 2001) announced that Enterprise Ireland and FÁS are to jointly fund the hiring of an executive by the Athy Investment Development and Employment Forum for one year."This is a pilot initiative by EI and FÁS to help to develop a series of responses to the socio economic issues being faced by the town" the Tánaiste said.

The Tánaiste confirmed that Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will each provide £20,000 through Kildare County Council for the recruitment of the executive.

 The Tánaiste said "The two Agencies have contributed significantly to the work of the Athy Investment Development and Employment Forum to date.  They have allocated executive time to initiatives flowing from the Forum and have sponsored reports and brochures, engaged in surveys and training and promotional activities.  Both Agencies have key roles and a deep interest in regional development and work to foster community led initiatives in the area. This support, linked with the considerable local input already made by a number of agencies, including Kildare County Council and Athy Urban District Council will, I hope, make a substantial positive difference to Athy." 

"The new executive will work to harness the expertise of a wide range of individuals and organisations.  He/She will make a major contribution to the development and implementation of immediate and decisive actions as a matter of urgency.  This is a key role which I and the Agencies hope will make a substantial positive difference to the work of the Forum,” the Tánaiste  added.