Ballinasloe based Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Leo Varadkar to Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub at the weekend. As part of the Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD ), the centre has recently won €63,000 in funding under the Connected Hubs Scheme.
“The Tánaiste had the opportunity to meet the team behind BACD and some of the 30 start-ups, entrepreneurs. and micro-companies and close to 180 people based in the Enterprise Centre,” Senator Dolan said of the event. “BACD offer enterprise space, hotdesk, and remote working facilities for start-ups in east Galway and south Roscommon combined with key initiatives to support retailers and businesses in town. As the catalyst for many projects, including the new Shop Local signage and Shop Ballinasloe banners for restaurants, as well as new Christmas lights last year, BACD also act as a liaison point with Galway County Council and funding agencies.
“BACD is a fantastic example of the impact of government funding of development associations guided by the expertise of the BACD boardmembers. Chair Seamus Duffy and manager Lyn Donnelly gave the Tánaiste a tour of the premises along with meeting some of the companies.
“The Tánaiste commented on the diverse nature of businesses based in the centre from auctioneers, tax consultants, financial analysts, to manufacturing and distribution in the same building – a true hub of activity and a great place to start off a business venture as well. He also stated that what’s been done in Ballinasloe through Connected Hubs is a great example for other towns to follow around the country, and the importance of being an advocate for their local area and that this town has a lot to offer.
“The sense of business community spirit is very strong amongst the group highlighted through the webinars with the Pulse Club during lockdown and also how some of these award-winning initiatives such as ShopBallinasloe.ie really came to the fore giving retailers in the town an opportunity to engage with customers online,” Senator Dolan continued.
“The current Connected Hubs Scheme funding for energy upgrades to the existing building is the result of a Ballinasloe Town Team partnership with SEAI as the town is a Sustainable Energy Community. A priority goal is achieving low-carbon status as part of a strategic 10 year plan for the area.
“The Tánaiste also focused on the benefits of remote working and how his Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment is driving new remote working policies and campaigns such as #MakingRemoteWork with employers. More companies are offering flexible options and with ConnectedHubs.ie now you can work with like-minded employees in facilities with excellent broadband, meeting, and video conferencing options close to home.
“CEO of the Western Development Commission, Tomás Ó Síocháin, has led the roll-out of the Connected Hubs project working with the Tánaiste’s office and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
“As Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub is one of 380 mapped on ConnectedHubs.ie, now employees and companies can check out excellent facilities to allow people work in a flexible way in the west.”
