Claremorris lauded for entrepreneurial success
Claremorris is on a high after being selected as one of the regional winners at this year’s Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards.
In addition, Westport was announced as a regional runner up. The awards recognise and reward towns where businesses and communities have come together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.
This year’s awards saw collaboration between business groups and communities from over 80 towns and urban villages nationwide, with entries demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurial initiatives being undertaken to boost local economies.
At the award ceremony in Kilkenny, a total of 40 awards were given with an overall prize fund of €157,000 allocated to encourage further innovation and entrepreneurship within winning towns. Taking the prize for overall winner of the 2018 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards was Letterkenny.
Speaking at the awards, Michael Costello, head of Co. Mayo at Bank of Ireland said: “Every year we are so impressed by the enterprising spirit and achievements of towns and villages nationwide, as people work together, to drive growth locally and build thriving communities.
“Entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovative thinking have an immeasurable impact on a community’s ability to flourish and we hope that all of this year’s winning towns enjoy their success and continue to build on it further in 2019.
“At Bank of Ireland, supporting enterprise is central to what we do and as the country’s largest lender, with a presence in over 250 communities nationwide, we are committed to encouraging local enterprise and bringing communities closer together.
“The National Enterprise Town Awards are Bank of Ireland’s opportunity to recognise and reward towns where communities and business groups are working closely together with local authorities and local enterprise offices to spur enterprise forward in their area.
“The support of City and County Councils across the country is a significant factor in the success of the awards and one which Bank of Ireland is extremely grateful for. On behalf of Bank of Ireland, I would like to congratulate Claremorris and local council representatives for their joint success at this year’s awards.”