Minister Martin Officially Opens Roscommon Enterprise Centre

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mr. Micheál Martin today (Thursday 4^th May 2006) officially opened the Enterprise Centre developed by The Roscommon Chamber of Commerce who have received over €231,000 from Enterprise Ireland, including support towards the management of the centre. The building, which was originally the Chicwear childrens clothing company, has been adapted for both manufacturing and office type projects.

Speaking at the opening Minister Martin said “These new units provide an enterprise infrastructure in Roscommon which was not previously available. The development of such community based enterprise centres is an essential part of the drive to create new regional enterprises in County Roscommon. Th provide a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs and serve to help the development of entrepreneurship at local level. Enterprise Ireland and the Roscommon County Enterprise Board are available to help potential entrepreneurs develop commercial business plans which will become the drivers of the future”.

The Community Enterprise Centre initiative which is managed by Enterprise Ireland 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 infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation.

“I believe the CEC scheme to be essential in promoting enterprise development in the regions and earlier this year I announced the approval of an additional €7 million for the extension of the existing Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Centre Scheme for the next 3 years. To date Enterprise Ireland has supported CEC projects in the county with over €750,000 for centres in Arigna (in 1990); Ballaghaderreen (which I will open later on today ) and Roscommon” the Minister said.

Enterprise Ireland in association with the Roscommon County Development Board and the Roscommon County Enterprise Board have developed and initiated a detailed Jobs Creation Strategy and Actions for the County. They have developed and initiated an “Ambassadors programme” which invites people from the county but who have moved to other locations, to become Investment Ambassadors for the county. A first meeting of Ambassadors was held on 1^st March 2006 and was hosted by the Roscommon Entrepreneur Sean Mulryan. “It is hoped that these Ambassadors will help promote Roscommon as a place to live and to consider establishing a business or a branch of an existing business”, Minister Martin said.

"I would like to congratulate all those involved in the development of this Centre and wish success to all its enterprises.   I believe that it will have a bright future as a centre for the development of small business here in Roscommon", the Minister concluded.

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