Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the opening of new premises of Bunowen Bakery with Minister of State Damien English. Bunowen Bakery is expanding operations and now located in Derrymullen, Ballinasloe town.
This is a success story for a local family bakery here in Ballinasloe. It is a tribute to founder Andy Cavan and director Seamus Concannon who have built up Bunowen Bakery in Ahascragh over the past 6 years.
Today Minister Damien English with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail has launched the next stage of Bunowen Bakery and celebrated the opening of new premises in Derrymullen. Funding support for new equipment to support enterprise was provide through the EU LEADER programme for business in rural areas managed by Galway Rural Development
Both Andy and Seamus have highlighted the importance of an experienced mentor to assist start-ups when moving to the next stage of growth and expansion. Groups like the Local Enterprise Office in Galway can also offer supports and training for staff. And Bunowen Bakery is also working on new product ideas with the Bia Innovator Campus in Athenry.
Ballinasloe is a hub for investment and development with multi-million street enhancement in the town. With cranes all over town, we are seeing construction of the new 50 bed unit in Portiuncula University Hospital, a new Omniplex 5 screen cinema, new Costa restaurant as well as housing for 40 homes. The Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) group are a support for start-ups offering office space as well as renovating the former Bank Chambers in town for an Enterprise Centre
I wish Bunowen Bakery and all the staff well on their new location in Derrymullen and to seeing even more choice of breads and pastries!
Minister Damien English stated: “The growth and expansion of Bunowen Bakery is a wonderful example of how businesses across the country can grow new markets and create new job opportunities from their local community. I am delighted to be here in Ballinasloe to meet with Andy Cavan and Seamus Concannon, two enterprising people who are part of our strong SME community who employ over one million people in Ireland.”
“I am especially encouraged to see this young business expand from their traditional family roots with Andy’s father, Danny Cavan, providing much experience, inspiration and of course his delicious recipes.”
“As well as encouraging everyone to sample the tasty treats on offer from Bunowen Bakery I also encourage anyone interested on starting a business to seek out assistance from the Local Enterprise Office who play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs and the local business community. Through Budget 2023, Government is committed to continue backing our ambitious SME community and to work with them through the months ahead with a wide range of financial assistance & supports to help protect as many local jobs as possible.”
Bunowen Bakery Founder Andy Cavan stated
“As a chef I love going to work each day and working with an excellent team here in Ahascragh and Derrymullen from bakers to drivers, every one makes Bunowen Bakery a success. I would like to thank my father Danny Cavan for the family tradition and passion for baking which he has passed onto me.
“ Our focus is on excellence in food and reliability and our vision is to scale up our business to meet demand and to build the brand of Bunowen Bakery across the country. We grew from 3 to a currently 12 staff and we plan to have 20 people as part of the Bunowen Bakery team by the end of 2023. Our success is very much down to our staff and business consultant Frank Cadam has also been a great addition to our team.
“Ballinasloe is a fantastic location with such easy access to the motorway. We are currently recruiting staff so please do send us on CVs for pastry makers and office managers.
Director Seamus Concannon stated
“As an Ahascragh native, I was delighted to join Andy in developing Bunowen Bakery taking inspiration from the Bunowen River that flows through Ahascragh to Ballinasloe. It powered many businesses in previous generations and now we see the renovation of the old mill through the Ahascragh Distillery.
I would like to thank all of our business partners, suppliers and distributors for their support through the years and I look forward to working with new partners as we expand our sales. It is a challenging time for small businesses and government supports are crucial to help manage rising energy costs. I would also like to thank our customers who buy our breads, cakes and pastries and who are supporting a business in the West.
