News Release -
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
Billy Kelleher TD, Minister for Trade and Commerce, today (Friday, 14 May 2010) 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 begin shortly 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; “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support this project which forms an important part of our national enterprise development strategy.
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.”
Speaking at the event, John Webb O’Rourke, Secretary, Kilmallock Economic Enterprise Development Ltd. (KEED), said: “A number of clients have already expressed interest in the units in the new Enterprise Centre and it is hoped on the completion of the Centre that these clients will avail of the superb new facilities. The Centre will work closely with the local agencies - Enterprise Ireland, Limerick County Enterprise Board, Ballyhoura Development and Shannon Development - to ensure that it is working to its full potential.”
Commenting on the development, Cllr David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council said: “Limerick County Council is delighted to be working with other agencies to play our part in the economic development of Kilmallock which has already had considerable success. The town already boasts a very successful, fully occupied, BES led €1.2 million 15,000 sq. ft. advanced factory, supported by Shannon Development. This latest initiative will continue to enhance Kilmallock’s profile as an excellent business location.”
“Limerick County Enterprise Board is responsible for the promotion of local enterprise development through the provision of supports to micro enterprises in County Limerick. The development of the new Enterprise Centre will assist us in our role by providing a valuable asset to the local community to help generate much need employment,” said Ned Toomey, Chairman of KEED and CEO of the Limerick County Enterprise Board.
About the Centre
The Centre is being developed by Kilmallock Economic Enterprise Development Ltd (KEED), on a site purchased from Shannon Development in the Business Park. The project is being funded by Enterprise Ireland, with the balance of the funding provided by Limerick County Council, Limerick County Enterprise Board and the Kilmallock Traders association.
About KEED
Kilmallock Economic Enterprise Development Ltd (KEED) comprises local Kilmallock town traders, including John Webb O’Rourke, Seamus Buckley, Richard Egan and others. The group is chaired by Ned Toomey of Limerick County Enterprise Board, secretariat provided by Belinda Spillane of Ballyhoura Development Ltd, and Board members include Catherine Hogan of Enterprise Ireland, Anthony Coleman of Limerick County Council and Kevin O’Connor of Shannon Development.
About the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme
The Community Enterprise Centre (CEC) Scheme, which is managed by Enterprise Ireland, marks a highly successful partnership between the state and Enterprise Ireland, and the local community. First launched in 1989, the Scheme has provided significant funding and other supports to local communities to develop locally owned Community Enterprise Centres, providing facilities for emerging entrepreneurs and micro industry to establish businesses, provide employment and to grow their businesses in their own locality. Under the scheme, over €61m has been approved for the development of 134 centres at locations throughout the country. These centres have a real and measurable impact on the economic and social development of local communities and are a tangible contribution to balanced regional development.
Minister for Trade and Commerce Billy Kelleher TD turned the sod on a new €800,000 Community Enterprise Centre at the Shannon Development Kilmallock Business Park, Limerick (Friday 14 May 2010). The Minister announced the doubling in size of the Kilmallock Business Park by Shannon Development. Pictured from left are: John Webb O’Rourke, Secretary, Kilmallock Economic Enterprise Development Ltd (KEED); Ned Toomey, Chairman of KEED and CEO of the Limerick County Enterprise Board; Billy Kelleher TD, Minister for Trade and Commerce; Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive Shannon Development; Jerry Moloney, Enterprise Ireland Director Mid West region, and Cllr David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council.
End
For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
E-mail: Click Here