Update below on the launch of the Work Smarter, Live Better strategy
April 15, 2019
Western Development Commission selected the new enterprise facilities upstairs at the library on Society St to launch their strategy Work Smarter, Live Better WDC Strategy 2019-2021. Lyn Donnelly, company manager at Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) highlighted that there is 27,000 sq ft available at the enterprise centre in Creagh with over 25 enterprises based there and 175 people employed. This €5 million investment is a fantastic resource in Ballinasloe for start-ups and entrepreneurs. There is also space for start-ups to access co-working state of the art facilities at the Enterprise Centre upstairs from the library
Dr Deirdre Garvey, Chair of the WDC noted her own personal connections with Ballinasloe - her mother was a lay sister in Portiuncula Hospital and her parents met at a dance in Ballinasloe! She pointed out the role of the Western Development Commission to stem the population decline and age disparity in rural areas and reinvigorate our smaller towns. She highlighted that 'quality of life, research & digital infrastructure' is key in rural areas' with an integrated approach with regional and national stakeholders. Lookwest.ie is focused on promoting our region and a balanced growth across Ireland.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of the WDC spoke about 'vibrant communities' and how people in rural areas have a 'passion for place'. He also noted the National Policy for Social Enterprise will be launched shortly.
Minister for State Sean Canney TD spoke about the importance of this strategy for Rural Ireland and also how it links into the Atlantic Economic Corridor which is a network of communities, start-ups, innovators and enterprise agencies to drive investment in this region.
I talked with Sean after the event and asked about his announcement of €1 million for the Grow Remote programme which targets remote working as a way to drive vibrant rural communities. As Councillor, I would like to identify ways to bring this Grow Remote investment to Galway to build hubs similar to our enterprise centre here in the library to other towns in East Galway where people can work close to home and follow their goals while also keeping a work life balance. Find out more below:
Work Smarter Live Better WDC Strategy 2019-2021 -
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