Major enterprise plan for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon launched
THE West Regional Enterprise Plan for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon was launched today as part of a €180m investment in regional development.
The government has committed to nine enterprise plans, covering every part of the country. Up to €180m in funding is being provided to invest in new projects which create new jobs and help companies grow in each region.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar was at the west launch, held at the GMIT Mayo campus this morning, and he is also visiting local printing company MCC this afternoon who have announced a €4m investment in their Castlebar site, creating 30 new jobs.
On the launch of the West Regional Enterprise Plan, the Tánaiste said: “The government is committed to balanced regional development, meaning we are constantly looking at ways to bring jobs and prosperity to every part of the country. We’ve developed nine region-specific plans, which will each look at how best to drive investment and create long-term, sustainable jobs in each of the areas they cover.
“It’s great to be in Mayo today to launch the plan for the west. Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have so much to offer.
“This plan, which has been developed by the local community, will look at how we can strengthen and grow existing industries, such as life sciences, agtech and food and of course the cultural and creative sector and realise the potential of new, developing industries, such as renewable energy. I believe the west has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse, fulfilling Ireland’s electricity needs and also some of Europe’s too. This plan is about realising that and other opportunities.
“One of my priorities as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is to have 2.5 million people employed in the country by 2024. We’re investing up to €180m in these nine regional enterprise plans to help reach that target.”
On the announcement from MCC, the Tánaiste said: “This is great news from MCC, investing €4m in the Castlebar site, creating 30 new jobs for the local area. This money will go towards preparing for the future, investing in increasing capacity and new technology.
“I wish the team all the very best with this expansion - it’s exactly the kind of thing we are trying to bring about with our regional enterprise plans.”
Also welcoming the launch of the west plan in Castlebar, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy said: “This plan is a direct result of the ambition and collaboration of industry leaders, enterprise agencies, local authorities, and more from across the region to address the unique challenges and opportunities for the west.”
Each of the nine regional plans has been developed throughout 2021 by regional steering committees. Each committee is chaired by a senior figure from the private sector and includes the enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, local authorities, regional assemblies, higher and further education bodies and others.
Commented Evelyn O’Toole, chair of the West Regional Steering Committee: “I am delighted that the Tánaiste and Minister Troy could be here with us today to launch the West Regional Enterprise Plan.
“This Plan is the result of deep and engaged consultation and cooperation across the region and I am very proud of the finished product which is ambitious and inclusive of the variety of strengthens of the west.”
She thanked the steering committee members from across the three counties for their time and commitment to developing the plan and said she looked forward to that same commitment as they move to implementation stage.
The West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 can be accessed here: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/West-Regional-Enterprise-Plan-to-2024.html