Minister O’Keeffe launches job creation initiatives in South Tipperary

3 June, 2010

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, launched local job creation initiatives in Clonmel today [Thursday] aimed at driving enterprise in South Tipperary.

Minister O’Keeffe announced a marketing campaign for the Tipperary Science and Technology Park in Ballingarrane and a website portal showcasing South Tipperary for visitors and industrialists during a visit to Clonmel.

He described the initiatives as ‘important local endeavours to stimulate regional growth and add momentum to Ireland’s economic recovery’.

‘Ireland is turning the corner economically and our recovery will be driven by the hard work and local entrepreneurship working in partnership with Government for the common good,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

He paid tribute to the efforts of local business people, Government agencies and the community for showing ‘creativity and common cause in creating new opportunities for the flourish of enterprise’.

Liam Ahearne, Chairman of South Tipperary County Council, said the local authority, through its links with economic development agencies, academic institutions and multinational and indigenous firms in the area, has been an important driving force for the local economy.

‘However, our past successes do not guarantee our future, particularly in the current economic environment.

‘The initiatives launched by Minister O’Keeffe today are designed to help to address some of the issues affecting business and to create an environment that enables entrepreneurs to develop and grow their business ideas,’ said Mr Ahearne.

The South Tipperary Interagency Innovation and Enterprise Strategy will be the marketing framework to help tackle the area’s economic challenges.

Meanwhile, a marketing strategy for the 300-acre Tipperary Science and Technology Park is aimed at drawing foreign direct investments and indigenous firms in key growth areas such as life science, information communications technology and financial services.

The IDA Ireland chief executive, Barry O’Leary, said: ‘We are delighted to support this marketing campaign aimed at promoting County Tipperary for investment.

‘IDA’s 50 acres form an integral part of the new Tipperary Science and Technology Park and today’s initiatives will help us to promote the location to potential overseas investors.’

The website, www.southtipperary.ie, is an important information resource for industry, community amenities, and tourism, culture and heritage attractions in the county.

The launch was attended by representatives from industry, economic development agencies, academia, business groups, politicians and local government officials.

Presentations on ‘Premier Industry and Living in South Tipperary’ were made by the multinational firm Johnson & Johnson [Cordis] in Cashel; the small to medium sized enterprise, Temetra [Hanley Controls] in Clonmel; and the Tipperary Food Producers Network representing the artisan foods sector.

ENDS\2230

This event takes place in the Park Hotel, Clonmel, at 4.30pm.