Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran met with local representatives of IBEC on Monday.
Minister Moran said the meeting was very informative and the range of issues discussed with representatives from the region’s local businesses included infrastructure, 3rd level funding and Brexit.
Minister Moran reiterated his support and commitment to developing the region to support expanding enterprises. The requirements for increased infrastructure needs such as housing, roads and technology were emphasised by all sides. The meeting was also attended by Communications Minister Denis Naughten, together with Deputy Willie Penrose and Deputy Carol Nolan.
Minister Moran also said that he would like remind existing small business owners, and people thinking of starting a new one, that they should register their interest for the ‘Taking Care of Business’ event on Wednesday November 8 at the Printworks Conference Centre in Dublin Castle.
The half-day event is specifically targeted at people thinking of starting a business as well as small business owners and managers. In the context of Brexit, it is also an opportunity for businesses to seek advice from a range of experts on how to diversify and expand into new markets.
Minister Moran said that the continued strong growth of the Irish economy, the near-achievement of a balanced budget and the ongoing decline in public indebtedness were all matters that had to be carefully managed. In the context of Brexit, matters remained challenging and the Irish Government wants to see much more progress, not just on issues relating to Ireland but also on the financial settlement and EU citizens rights.