Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has paid tribute to a successful craft business in Westmeath, after he met the company owner at the Showcase Ireland event in Dublin last week.
Deputy Martin praised the imaginative and creative work of Anne Marie Griffin Knitwear which produces a collection of accessories and designs for women.
Speaking at the event in the RDS in Dublin, Micheál Martin said, “I want to commend the ingenuity and creativity of Anne Marie Griffin. This knitwear firm is a perfect example of the talent in the Irish craft sector and the need to support what has been such an important industry in Ireland for decades.”
Anne Marie Griffin Knitwear was just one of 350 unique indigenous crafts, fashion, and gifts companies to display their products at the RDS last week. Fianna Fáil has called for more support for the craft industry in Ireland, which contributes approximately €500 million per annum to the Irish economy.
Deputy Martin said, “The unique skills and talent on display at the Showcase exhibition further emphasises the importance of the craft industry in Ireland, both culturally and economically. This event also highlights the need to support these small Irish businesses as much as possible.
“While the domestic craft industry is thriving, we need to explore and develop export markets to ensure the prosperity of this sector. Supporting indigenous Irish industry in communities in the Midlands and across the country is key to our economic recovery. I am calling on the Government to provide the necessary supports in terms of expertise, mentoring, and funding for the craft industry.
“With the right supports in place, there is huge potential for growth in this industry. The Government must do all it can to support companies like Anne Marie Griffin Knitwear, which is doing its bit for the local economy in Westmeath.”
