Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Micheál Martin T.D., Opens the Latest Phase of Development at Ballina Community Enterprise Centre

The Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D today, (January 11^th) officially open the latest phase of Ballina Community Enterprise Centre. With support from Enterprise Ireland, the new Community Enterprise Centre development at Bunree Road consists of 8 enterprise units in 2 buildings. The development was completed in 2005 and will provide additional enterprise infrastructure in Ballina. The Community Enterprise Group behind the development is Moy Valley Resources (MVR).

Commenting at the opening the Minister said, “The development of community based enterprise centres is an essential part of the drive to create new enterprise in Mayo. Community Enterprise Centres provide a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs and help the development of entrepreneurship at the local level.”

“The Community Enterprise Centre initiative is managed by Enterprise Ireland and is a community led initiative in the form of a partnership between the local community and the State. Its objective is to enhance the development of an enterprise climate through the provision of infrastructure to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation”. The Minister added.

To date Moy Valley Resources has received support in excess of €597,000 from Enterprise Ireland, including support towards the management of the facility. Enterprise Ireland has also supported CEC projects throughout the Mayo region with over €1.96m invested to date in CEC’s in Killala; Foxford; Crossmolina; Kiltimagh; Castlebar; Brickens/Logboy and Tulrahan; Claremorris and Ballyhaunis. This funding was provided under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006 and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The Minister also acknowledged the support of the Western Development Commission in providing loan finance to Moy Valley Resources for the Ballina development and the support of the Killala Diocese during the incumbency of Bishop Thomas Finnegan in providing the site for the centre to MVR.

ENDS

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