Minister Kelleher turns sod on new €800k Community Enterprise Centre at Kilmallock Business Park

Minister also announces Shannon Development’s plan to double its Kilmallock Business Park

14 May 2010

Billy Kelleher TD, Minister for Trade and Commerce, today (Friday) turned the sod on a new €800,000 Community Enterprise Centre at the Kilmallock Business Park in Co. Limerick.

The Minister also announced the doubling in size of the Shannon Development owned Kilmallock Business Park.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Kelleher said; “I believe that the new Kilmallock Community Enterprise Centre and the expanded Kilmallock Business Park can play an important role in the economic regeneration of the area.

‘This development represents a perfect partnership between local community and state agencies. It shows what can be achieved when public and private bodies work together, and demonstrates Government commitment to finding development solutions in smaller communities.”

Work on the new Kilmallock Enterprise Centre is expected to beginshortly and will take five months to complete.

The Centre will comprise three enterprise units of 2,500 sq ft. each and office space of 2,500 sq ft. on a one acre site, and will provide space for small enterprises and new start-ups in Kilmallock and the south Limerick area.

It is proposed that the Centre will have a link to third level institutions to enable budding entrepreneurs develop their ideas with the support and mentoring of these institutions.

Outlining the overall development plans for Kilmallock Business Park, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive Shannon Development said; “The expansion of our Kilmallock Business Park represents an investment by Shannon Development in the continued development of Kilmallock as an attractive location for indigenous and foreign direct investment. We are doubling our Park by adding nine new business sites.”

Highlighting the importance of having good industrial infrastructure, Jerry Moloney, Enterprise Ireland Director, Mid West region, said; “ ‘Community Enterprise Centres provide the space and supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs and serve to help the development of entrepreneurship in urban and rural locations.

‘In addition to assisting the development of the physical infrastructure we have provided funding for a Business Development Manager based at the centre to assist all start-ups in the local community develop and grow their business”

ENDS/TC435