Press release
Minister English visits Cork North and West Local Enterprise Office
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, visited the Cork North and West Local Enterprise Office in Clonakilty yesterday where he met with members of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) team as well as some of their client companies.
The Minister began his day at remote working hub Mix Coworking in Clonakilty, where he was greeted by Cork County Council Director of Services for Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism, Sharon Corcoran, LEO Head of Enterprise, Kevin Curran, and Senator Tim Lombard.
The Minister then met with the LEO team and Council officials and was briefed on developments in the area and heard about future plans and priorities.
Before leaving Mix Coworking, which received funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Minister was given a tour of the facility by owners Rachel Kelleher and Michael Kote.
Minister English said:
"I want to thank Mix Coworking for hosting my visit and I am sure that this excellent facility will continue to flourish. As always, I am delighted to hear about the vital work of the LEO network and the exciting developments here in West Cork. The LEOs are a fantastic resource for local businesses, whether it is through the provision of training, mentoring or through other important supports. They have a hugely important role to play in helping to drive our new Regional Enterprise Plans which in turn will drive economic growth and job creation in North and West Cork."
Minister English then travelled a short distance to Spiller’s Lane, home of LEO client company, Jellyfish Surf Shop, where he met owner, Nollaig Hurley. The company supplies wetsuits, surfboards, paddles and every other accessory needed for surf enthusiasts in the west Cork area.
Next up, there was a visit to LEO client company, Hungry Crow, a confectionery business in Clonakilty where owners Mark Stewart and Niamh O’Reilly told the Minister about their handcrafted, high-quality chocolates.
The Minister was joined by Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr Danny Collins at his final stop, Hennessy Timber. Here LEO clients and owners Aidan and Norma Hennessy showcased their impressive range of products including garden sheds, decking, log cabins, garden furniture, fencing and playhouses.
At the conclusion of his visit, Minister English said:
"There is a true spirit of entrepreneurship here in Cork. Jellyfish, Hungry Crow and Hennessy’s are great examples of innovative businesses who saw opportunities and grasped them. The government will continue to support businesses like these because they are the lifeblood of our economy. Such companies are crucial in ensuring that there is balanced regional growth and job creation."