PLANS to further develop four enterprise centres in County Limerick has been welcomed by newly appointed Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, this week announced the further development of enterprise units in Kantoher, Broadford, Newcastle West and Rathkeale.
A total of 48 projects nationwide are to benefit of funding amounting to €5 million through Enterprise Ireland.
Minister O’Donovan said he was glad to be able to support the Innovate Limerick application for funding for the projects concerned.
Two applications had been made by Innovate Limerick for the appointment of a development officer to promote the centres at the Red Door, Newcastle West, the Kantoher Enterprise Centre and the Broadford Enterprise Centre.
Separately, a second allocation has been approved to provide additional incubation and small business space in the old Andersen Ireland Plant in Rathkeale.
“I worked very closely with Limerick City and County Council and the Rathkeale Community Council to secure the old Andersen Plant for job creation in Rathkeale,” O’Donovan pointed out.
“We succeeded in getting the building bought for the community and it is fantastic to see jobs now back in the plant. I also helped to secure funding from the Department of Health in the last Dáil to provide a home for the Butterfly Club who work with special needs children in the now Rathkeale Enterprise Centre. I am delighted that the Department of Jobs and Enterprise Ireland have both recognised the role of the Rathkeale Centre by allocating these additional resources,” he added.
Minister O’Donovan said that the Government is committed to working with companies like Innovate Limerick to ensure job creation across rural communities is prioritised.
by Alan Jacques
