Minister Martin announces initiative on Industry led Networks

Enterprise Ireland launches €2.5m Pilot for Collaborative Projects

Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Thursday 2^nd February 2006) announced the establishment by Enterprise Ireland of a €2.5m pilot initiative for collaborative projects from industry led networks. The initiative aims to foster the potential of industry led networks to act as a vehicle for achieving enterprise and economic development in Ireland.

Making the announcement the Minister said: “Following the recommendation of the Government’s Enterprise Strategy Group Action Plan, Enterprise Ireland will co-fund industry led networks or groups of companies to undertake time limited collaborative projects that have the potential to achieve additional benefits over and above what the individual companies can achieve on their own.

“This pilot is designed to complement existing State supports for enterprise development. Projects that are additional to what is already currently available will be considered for the pilot and eligible networks must include at least 5 companies.

“These companies must be clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, Udaras na Gaeltachta and/or County Enterprise Boards. The call for proposals for this competitive pilot initiative is being advertised nationally today and the closing dates will be 3 March and 30 June. Full details are available on www.enterprise-ireland.com/networks.” The Minister said.

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