Ó An Roinn Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta
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Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD today embarked on the first leg of a nationwide tour of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Centres. Over the coming weeks, Minister Troy will meet with companies at every stage of the exporting journey, as well as engage with various stakeholders and drivers of the exporting agenda across Ireland.
This tour in concert with the government’s jobs led recovery plan will focus on the exporting business landscape at a regional level and complement 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.
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:
"This tour of Ireland’s regional hubs creates a space for 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. The counties of Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, which make up the North-East region, are in a unique position; as border counties the impending Brexit deadline of January 1st, 2021 underscores the need for essential business supports and market diversification to drive exports internationally.
"Today’s meetings were constructive and provided a detailed insight of the ongoing work to transform the research, innovation and entrepreneurial landscape of the North East. With some 600 co-working and incubator spaces in the region, not to mention an exemplary third-level institution, Dundalk Institute of Technology, it is clear that there is a great degree of talent, knowledge and skill residing in the North-East that can help drive new enterprise investment and strengthen SME resilience.
"Despite the difficult business environment, I believe that 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."
Among others, Chairperson of the North East Regional Enterprise Plan and Chief Commercial Officer of AON Cyber Solutions, Richard Hanlon, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, Eamon O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at DKIT and Manager of the North East Regional Skills Forum, Ray Murphy all took part in today’s regional stakeholder sessions with Minister Troy and Enterprise Ireland.
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-East and despite the challenges of this year, we have continued to work in collaboration to enhance our region. Strong exporting companies like Multihog, Firrin Foods, Mullan Lighting, Sillis Green Veg, Abcon, Cavan Box, OTT Software Solutions and Aine Handmade Chocolate are making a real, lasting and positive impact on the jobs’ potential and enterprise growth of our region. Just this year, Dundalk IT was one of 26 successful regional projects nationwide awarded as part of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) but with Brexit on the horizon and the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic cross agency support has never been more crucial.
"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."
To continue this engagement development of a series of similar events in Sligo, Letterkenny and Athlone will be announced in the coming weeks.
ENDS
For further information: Ciara Ahern, Press and Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland. T: 083 8007203 Ciara.Ahern@enterprise-ireland.com