Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD recently visited the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office (LEO) as part of a series of visits by the Minister, who is keen to engage with the LEO teams and their client companies throughout the country. The Minister was greeted at County Hall, Tallaght by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Peter Kavanagh; Chief Executive, Daniel McLoughlin and other senior officials including members of the Evaluation and Approvals Committee, Strategic Policy Committee, Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development (EETD), and Peter Byrne of South Dublin Chamber.
Minister English was given presentations on the latest developments in the South Dublin region and proceedings concluded with the launch of the LEO South Dublin Enterprise Development Plan 2021-2024 by the Minister, who said “There are some hugely positive developments going on here in the South Dublin area. In large urban areas close collaboration and co-operation are vital in order to maximise resources and ensure the best possible outcomes for the local economy. It is very evident that is happening here. The Local Enterprise Office plays a key role in this and the support they give businesses whether it is with upskilling, mentoring, training or in other practical ways has proved invaluable over the last 19 months. That role will be even more important now that we are in the recovery phase and businesses continue to stabilise and grow.”
Minister English was accompanied by LEO Head of Enterprise, Tom Rooney, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Justin Mulhern and Business Advisor, Peter Connolly, as they met with a number of Local Enterprise Office client companies during the day, including:
- High Res Lighting – provide virtual production, lighting design and creative services to clients including municipal authorities and the film and television industry and have been involved in many high profile events.
- Mama Nagi – produce authentic chilli pastes which have no additives or preservatives.
- Acorn Educational – involved in the Research and Design of resources for children with additional needs, to teachers, parents, creches and Montessori schools.
- BiaBelle – produce vegan friendly and cruelty free tanning and beauty products which are extremely nourishing to the skin.
- Picado – produce Fresh Masa, which is maize dough used to make corn tortillas and many other corn-based dishes in Mexican cuisine.
- OneSonic – specialise in wireless noise cancelling headphones and earphones with the technology used in the products developed in Ireland.
- Stride Bootwear – produce quality leather equestrian footwear and has recently expanded into the U.S. and Canadian markets.
- The Artisan Pizza Company – manufacture high-quality sourdough pizza bases and associated products for distribution to the retail and food service markets, including Dunnes Stores, Tesco and Supervalu.
Minister English’s final engagement was a visit to The Edge Enterprise Centre where he was given a tour of the facility and an update on the latest and future developments by the Social and Local Enterprise Alliance. The Alliance is a collaboration of the South Dublin County Council and LEO, South Dublin Chamber and Partas and was established to deliver a new collaborative approach to start-up incubation in the area. The Edge project received funding of almost €1.4 million from the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme (RETS) and provides an ideal location for entrepreneurs and start-up’s looking for a professional, supportive and friendly environment to develop their businesses.
On conclusion of his engagements Minister English said,“I have really enjoyed engaging with so many local companies today and seeing the hugely diverse range of business they are involved in. There is a real sense of energy and positivity and I am delighted that the Government can assist many of them through a range of supports and funding. The Edge too is a wonderful facility and I am delighted that my Department recognised its huge potential when providing funding of nearly €1.4m to what is an excellent project.
