Ó An Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta
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Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Robert Troy TD today undertook a virtual visit to Letterkenny to meet with a number of companies to discuss their exporting strategy as well as the current challenges of the changing business environment, in light of COVID-19 and Brexit. As part of the virtual visit, Minister Troy also met with representatives from the Donegal Digital Innovation Company, a recipient of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund.
The visit is part of a virtual tour of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Centres across the country, to meet with companies at various stages of the exporting journey (pre-exporting companies to established exporters) and engage with various stakeholders and drivers of the exporting agenda across Ireland.
This tour reflects the government’s jobs led recovery plan which focuses on the exporting business landscape at a regional level and complements the work of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through its agency Enterprise Ireland’s Powering the Region Strategy; to identify and leverage exporting opportunities, to scale and expand the reach of our indigenous enterprise, strengthen regional infrastructure, and drive the growth of businesses across Ireland.
Across the tour series, Irish companies at various stages of exporting will have the opportunity to share their experience of their export journey and outline the current challenges of the changing business environment, in light of both COVID-19 and the forthcoming Brexit deadline.
Speaking after this afternoon’s meetings, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD said:
"The dual challenges of the Brexit transition deadline and the continued global health crisis means supporting our exporting companies has never been more important. The regional visits to enterprises across Ireland give all involved in Ireland’s exporting economy and those who want to grow their exporting potential the opportunity to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
"I was delighted to participate in the session today in Donegal - my final stop in the North-West region leg of the tour. Given its unique position as a border county, I welcomed the constructive conversations and was heartened to hear about their resilience and preparedness - with the majority of companies I met with this afternoon exporting to the UK, Brexit preparedness was naturally a key focus of our discussion.
"I urge all businesses to ensure they are Brexit ready and to avail of the supports provided by Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices and my department. Today’s meetings provided a detailed insight of the ongoing work to transform the research, innovation and entrepreneurial landscape of the North-West. Despite the difficult business environment, I believe that there is a great degree of talent, knowledge and skill residing in this Region that can help drive new enterprise investment and strengthen SME resilience. Through collaboration and continued support of start-ups, corporates and researchers we can help foster technological innovation, business development, and R&D activity and build on the strong track record of achievement in the region."
Enterprise Ireland Regional Director in the North-East and North-West, Aidan McKenna added:
"This virtual tour is a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders and agencies to collectively focus on the feedback from exporting companies, entrepreneurs and use it to discuss not only the challenges facing the region but the responses we can collectively develop to assist.
"There is already much happening in the North-West and despite the challenges of this year, we have continued to work in collaboration to enhance our region. With Brexit on the horizon and the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic cross agency support has never been more crucial. Each of the companies participating on the call export to the UK; Seaquest Systems Ltd, Hanna Hats, Forward Emphasis, Cerebreon Technologies Ltd and Nvolve Group Ltd.
"Minister Troy also met with LEO clients Consilium Education, Welditz, Wild Fuchsia Bakery, Atlantic Treasures and Shines Seafoods to gain an understanding from these companies regarding the impact of Brexit and COVID-19, to understand their exporting plans and journey and to get their views on economic development in the North West. The virtual schedule also included a meeting with representatives from Donegal Digital Innovation Company - The Inishowen Hub, one of the recipients of the recently approved Regional Enterprise Development Plan, where group outlined their plans for the development of the Inishowen Hub (The ii).
"Powering the Regions is Enterprise Ireland’s strategic response to deliver stronger regional enterprises that provide sustainable employment opportunities and local prosperity as well as making an even greater contribution to Ireland’s economic growth and international impact. I welcome Minister Troy’s support for efforts and engagement with our Enterprises and stakeholders today."
As part of this engagement, virtual regional visits took place earlier this week in Sligo-Leitrim, with a virtual visit to engage with Athlone businesses in the coming weeks.
ENDS