The sum of €250,000 has been allocated by Enterprise Ireland to establish a new smart technology enterprise hub in Monksland, which has the potential to create 26 new high-end jobs within the next year.
The funding is part of a €5m allocation for local and regional initiatives to support new businesses and jobs creation across the country in support of the Regional Action Plans for Jobs.
Welcoming the funding, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said: “Every parish, county, and region knows it has particular strengths that can create jobs. The Government is committed to supporting that effort. In my first few weeks as Minister, I am impressed by the commitment of everyone involved in the Regional Action Plans for Jobs.
“Local and regional organisations, public and private, have committed to work together in the drive for jobs and to create the opportunities for people to live and work in their local communities. I am determined to support these regions to help them to achieve their potential and their ambition. In that regard, I am particularly pleased that Enterprise Ireland will issue a second call later this year and work with interested groups to deliver quality projects in their regions.”
Roscommon-Galway Minister Denis Naughten said the allocation shows “a clear commitment from Government to develop Monksland as a vital economic driver for job creation” in County Roscommon.
“The project, which I helped to start back in 2012, involves the creation of a new enterprise incubation hub in the area to focus on high tech/digital micro enterprises in IT, creative industries, and smart technology,” he said.
“On top of the financial committment from Enterprise Ireland of €250,000 for the new enterprise hub, there are strong indications that significant support will also be made available locally to ensure this hub becomes key to attracting additional technology investment into the region.”
