Minister Damien English TD visits LEO DLR Offices
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, visited the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Enterprise Office on Thursday 21st October and afterwards met with some of our client companies.
At Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Minister was greeted by An Cathaoirleach Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Chief Executive Tom McHugh, Director of Economics and Finance Helena Cunningham, Head of Enterprise Owen Laverty, Jennifer Carroll MacNeil TD and Senator Barry Ward.
At the meeting, various team leaders showcased a wide range of unique Enterprise (LEO), Economic and Tourism supports which have been innovated internally, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to support the local economy to prosper. The Minister acknowledged this effort.
"It is great to be here today and to hear at first hand of all the progressive developments that are happening in the area. Our Local Enterprise Offices have wonderfully productive and constructive relationships with businesses and local authorities and other key stakeholders. That is clearly evidenced here in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown where this close collaboration is having a hugely powerful and positive impact in the area."
The Minister then called to the Media Cube, a start-up innovation centre based on the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) campus in Dun Laoghaire.
The Media Cube, (with whom LEO DLR work in close partnership) has recently announced a five-year partnership to deliver the New Frontiers programme in Dublin and North Wicklow.
At the Cube, Minister English was introduced to Criona Turley, CEO of Capella Workstation Solutions, a start-up that provides practical tools to help companies manage their hybrid workforce. Capella are expert partners in hybrid working as companies try to manage flexibility of location for their workforce into the future. Minister English also met Russell Walsh of VivaGreen, a world leader in the research and development of biodegradable, chemical and plastic-free materials. The company was set up by Russell and his brother, Garrett and their products include chemical free moss killer, biodegradable landscaping stakes and compostable bags. In his final engagement of the day, Minister English was joined by Minister Josepha Madigan TD and met with the board of Sandyford Business District. The board seek to attract and retain businesses in an area that is home to more than 1,000 businesses and 27,000 employees. The Economic Team in DLR works in partnership with the Sandyford BD on many important strategic training and public realm programs to support growth in the District.