Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins met with six LEO supported local businesses and Clare County Council members and staff during her visit to Ennis yesterday.
During the courtesy visit to the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Clare County Council, the minister was briefed on the various economic development initiatives being progressed by the local authority, the challenges faced by local businesses and the opportunities for future economic development in Clare. The minister of state was then given an overview of the range of supports being provided and implemented by LEO Clare in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Minister Higgins was also introduced to six local businesses where she engaged in one-to-one discussions gaining an understanding of their business and the challenges they encounter in achieving their ambition to grow and prosper. The LEO Clare supported business represented included Atlantic Clinical Packaging, Oir Tonics, This Is What I Do, IFF Plastics, iWater, and Western Herd Brewery.
Head of Enterprise Clare County Council Padraic McElwee said, “Since 2014, LEO Clare has supported 229 Clare businesses, contributing significantly to the creation of 2,628 jobs and the overall economic development of County Clare. Minister Higgins’s visit underscored the vital role Local Enterprise Office Clare plays in fostering local business growth and innovation, and the positive impact of such engagements on the local economy.”
Minister Higgins was welcomed to Clare County Council by Cathaoirleach Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Chief Executive Pat Dowling, Director of Economic Development Carmel Kirby, and Head of Enterprise Padraic McElwee.