“The mission of DEC is to cultivate a supportive business ecosystem that promotes enterprise and entrepreneurship across Dungarvan and the wider West Waterford region.”

Established in 2011 through a collaborative public-private community partnership, Dungarvan Enterprise Centre (DEC) serves as a dynamic business hub located in the heart of Dungarvan Town Centre.

Carmel Organ has been the Senior Office Administrator at Dungarvan Enterprise Centre since 2016. She brings extensive national and international experience in administrative roles across the construction and pharmaceutical industries, “Our centre offers a range of flexible office solutions, including private offices, hot-desking and coworking spaces, and a fully equipped boardroom. These facilities cater to start-ups, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and remote workers, providing an environment that fosters productivity, innovation, and collaboration.”

Carmel is a highly effective communicator who quickly builds positive working relationships with tenants and colleagues alike. Her professionalism and commitment to service contribute greatly to the welcoming and efficient atmosphere at DEC, “The mission of DEC is to cultivate a supportive business ecosystem that promotes enterprise and entrepreneurship across Dungarvan and the wider West Waterford region.

“As one of 120 Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) across Ireland, DEC plays a key role in nurturing start-up businesses and driving regional innovation and digital advancement. The Centre is home to a diverse community of businesses spanning sectors such as education, recruitment, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

“We’re a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG). The company was registered in 2007 to support entrepreneurs in the creation, development and expansion of their micro-enterprises and/or SMEs in Dungarvan and west Waterford. DEC opened its facility in 2011. The operations of DEC are overseen by an independent Board of Directors representative of the local business community, local government, enterprise support agencies like the Local Enterprise Office and HEIs. DEC is a knowledge and resource centre for the incubation of micro-enterprises and the development and growth of these enterprises into sustainable SMEs.”

The Centre is also focused on supporting nascent and emergent entrepreneurs to develop their business concepts into realisable business opportunities, all governed by Carmel Organ, “Currently DEC is home to eight enterprises and up to twelve individuals per day using the co-working spaces. With the support of Waterford City & County Council (WCCC), we moved to our current, fully refurbished, start-of-the-art Centre in April 2025 and have not looked back since.”

This mission is brought to life through strong and evolving partnerships. The Dungarvan Enterprise Centre will be working closely with the Local Enterprise Office Waterford and South East Technological University (SETU), particularly through the TU RISE programme, to strengthen the support ecosystem for businesses across West Waterford. Together, they are creating new pathways for entrepreneurs, connecting ideas with expertise, and ambition with opportunity.

As part of the wider SETU Rural Innovation Hubs network, the Centre plays a key role in bridging the gap between local enterprise and academic innovation, ensuring that businesses in the region can access the knowledge, research and supports they need to grow and compete.

Looking to the future, the Dungarvan Enterprise Centre is committed to deepening its partnership with LEO Waterford, continuing to uncover new opportunities and support the next generation of businesses. With a clear focus on collaboration and innovation, the Centre is positioning itself as a key driver of economic activity and enterprise growth in Dungarvan and the wider region.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. 

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes, grants and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.

To find out more about the Dungarvan Enterprise Centre see, www.dungarvanec.com