A new innovation centre that will be a home for up to 120 jobs is the latest addition to business supports in Limerick following the opening today by Minister Eoghan Murphy of the aptly name ‘ENGINE’ just off the city centre.
In the latest step in the ongoing transformation of Limerick, the facility will act as a home to emerging indigenous and FDI businesses, to companies looking for hot-desk solutions and to a training centre for companies focussed on technology and innovation.
The ground floor training facility includes high-tech audio visual equipment, a breakout area, kitchen facilities and access to the garden at the rear of the building. There is also a co-working office space and hot desk facilities on the ground floor for new business development.
The first floor of the building consists of an open plan office space which is currently home to the Innovate Limerick team which includes Film in Limerick, the Mid West Action Plan for Jobs Manager, the Regional Technology Manager and the Regional Skills Co-ordinator.
ENGINE provides a meeting point for multinationals to engage with local enterprise solutions providers as well as entrepreneurs who are working on scaling their ideas.
The training facilities at ENGINE have been developed to create a supply of skills needed across a range of sectors for example to meet the needs of the international film sector following the location of international film studios Troy Studios in Limerick.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Stephen Keary said: “What strikes me about ENGINE is the positivity which flows through the building. Nothing seems to be too difficult or insurmountable. ENGINE is being run by Innovate Limerick and listens to the needs of community and entrepreneurs all the way up to international businesses.”
ENGINE was purchased by Limerick City and County Council for €2.25 million through funding from the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government.
Officially opening ENGINE, Minister Eoghan Murphy said: “I commend Innovate Limerick and Troy Studios on the fantastic progress that has been made in this important economic regeneration project.”
Mike Cantwell Head of Innovate Limerick, which runs ENGINE concluded “Engine will drive and facilitate creativity in a range of sectors including Digital Skills and Film..”
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