Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG to Develop New “Hive” Innovation and Community Hub at Enterprise House with support from Leader

€100,000 LEADER Investment to Support New Enterprise, Community and Chamber Facilities on O’Brien Road

Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG has announced the development of The Hive @ Enterprise House, a new enterprise and community hub on O’Brien Road, Carlow, following the approval of €100,000 in LEADER funding. The project represents a significant investment in rural enterprise development and community infrastructure, creating a modern, multi-functional space that will support business growth, collaboration and local service delivery.

The Hive will become the new headquarters of County Carlow Chamber, while also providing three new fixed-cost enterprise offices and a dedicated Business and Community Clinic Room available to tenants of Enterprise House and the wider community. Designed around the principles of Connect, Collaborate and Create, the development will offer a unique blend of enterprise supports and community-focused services under one roof.

The project reflects a growing shift in local economic development, where enterprise infrastructure is no longer viewed simply as office accommodation but as a catalyst for creating stronger, more connected communities. By repurposing existing space within Enterprise House, The Hive will provide affordable, professional facilities for entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, social enterprises and community organisations.

Welcoming the project, Annette Fox, CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership, highlighted the importance of LEADER funding in supporting rural economic development. “The LEADER Programme continues to play a vital role in supporting rural communities, enterprise development and job creation throughout County Carlow. The Hive is an excellent example of how strategic investment can transform existing infrastructure into a modern facility that supports entrepreneurship, collaboration and local economic resilience. We are delighted that LEADER funding is helping to deliver a project that will create opportunities for businesses, strengthen community engagement and contribute to sustainable rural development.”

The Hive represents an evolution in how enterprise infrastructure is delivered. As part of the Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG social enterprise model, the development combines commercial workspace, business supports and community services within a single integrated facility.

Alongside three new enterprise offices, the Business and Community Clinic Room will provide a professional and confidential environment for mentoring sessions, advisory services, business clinics, counselling, legal consultations and a range of community supports.

The project also addresses a recognised gap in the local market by providing high-quality accommodation for small businesses employing one to three people, offering an affordable alternative to traditional commercial leasing arrangements.

Norah Ryan, President of County Carlow Chamber and Board Member of Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG, said the Chamber was excited to become part of the new development.

“County Carlow Chamber is looking forward to being part of The Hive and establishing our new headquarters within Enterprise House. The project creates an exciting environment where businesses can connect, collaborate and grow together. Having the Chamber, enterprise units and shared facilities in one location will strengthen networking opportunities and provide an accessible hub for the business community across County Carlow.”

By repurposing existing infrastructure at Enterprise House, The Hive maximises the value of existing assets while supporting sustainable development and regeneration. The model has the potential to become a template for similar projects across County Carlow, demonstrating how enterprise centres can deliver both economic and social value.

When completed, The Hive will stand as a flagship example of collaborative local development, providing a welcoming new home for enterprise, innovation, community services and business networking on O’Brien Road for years to come.

Paula O’Brien, Director of Services, Carlow County Council, said the Council welcomed the development as an important addition to the county’s enterprise infrastructure. “Carlow County Council is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant enterprise ecosystem. The development of The Hive demonstrates the importance of investing in suitable, high-quality spaces that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and community engagement. Creating places where people can work, meet, access services and build connections strengthens both our economy and our communities. We are delighted to support this collaborative initiative.”

Cllr. Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, praised the partnership approach behind the project and the role of LEADER funding in bringing the vision to reality.

“I warmly welcome the investment of €100,000 through the LEADER Programme to support the development of The Hive. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG, Carlow County Council, County Carlow Chamber and Carlow County Development Partnership with support from the Carlow LCDC. I would particularly like to compliment the Board of Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG for their commitment to developing this social enterprise model, which combines economic opportunity with community benefit. The Hive will be a valuable addition to Carlow’s enterprise infrastructure and a positive asset for the wider community.”