Minister for Employment and Small Business Pat Breen has described the new Innovation Hub to open in the Kilrush Town Hall as a huge support to small local businesses and entrepreneurship.
The Clare minister of state with responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) was speaking during a visit by Minister of State for Regional Economic Development at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht, Michael Ring to Kilrush, during which Minister Breen lent his support to the Innovative Centre for Kilrush Town Hall backed by Clare LEO and Clare County Council.
“I believe the future of secure employment and development in west Clare is protecting current jobs while encouraging small business and entrepreneurship to grow,” said Minister Breen.
“Clare LEO and Clare County Council have shown creativity and forward planning as they support small to medium sized business in Clare. West Clare, like so many parts of rural Ireland can face infrastructure challenges including below par broadband in many areas. While resolving the issue of broadband remains a priority of this Government, we must find ways to assist businesses working in rural Clare in the interim.
“The 14 hotspot points in the Innovation Hub will provide some of this assistance for businesses in west Clare. The hub will allow for hight speed broadband and facilities in which to do business, while also bringing more activity to the centre of west Clare’s largest town,” added the Fine Gael minister of state.
“We have many examples of ex-Pats returning to west Clare and bringing their new found skills with them. It would be a waste if we did not tap into their skill set and experience by supporting their innovative ways of brining new industry and jobs to Clare.
“There are many businesses, particularly in the food and tourism area, developing organically in west Clare, and these businesses have become the backbone of our rural economy. That is why the work of LEO and my Department in supporting such business is essential,” Minister Breen said.
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