- Minister meets with Steering Committee in Longford
- Progress continues on execution of Midlands Plan
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, travelled to Co. Longford recently where he discussed progress and implementation of the recently launched Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan with steering committee members.
The Minister attended the meeting of the steering committee, where he met with Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (REP) and Programme Manager Sarah Morgan, along with members of the steering committee who represent industry, government agencies, and education providers of the Midlands region. They presented the progress being made on the actions outlined in the Midlands REP since it was launched at the beginning of March. The Minister also took the opportunity to mark the launch of the new Midlands ICT Cluster, which seeks to develop the Midlands region as a centre of excellence in the application of digital innovation.
Minister Calleary commented:
“I am delighted to be here at the Backstage Theatre, Longford, and to hear about progress on the implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan.
The Plan is focused on achieving a transition to a climate neutral economy, capitalising on strengths of the Midlands through Smart Specialisation and Digitalisation and positioning the Midlands as a destination of choice to live, work, visit, invest and learn. The progress to date is a testament to the drive and dedication of Anne, Sarah, and the members of the steering committee. Their commitment to partnership and collaboration will no doubt serve them well as they realise the ambitions of the Midlands Enterprise Plan and I have every confidence that this Plan will strengthen economic and enterprise development throughout the Midlands.”
Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee commented:
“It is great to have Minister Calleary with us for an update on the implementation of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024. We welcome the support of the Minister to the region as we focus on the transition to a low-carbon economy, whilst capitalising on the regions strengths through smart specialisation whilst positioning the Midlands as a great place to live, work, study, visit and invest. I would like to thank the Steering Committee members across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath and particularly, the Regional Enterprise Plan team, led by Programme Manager, Sarah Morgan, for their full commitment to the region and for the significant progress being made in the implementation of the Plan.’’
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said:
“It has been great to welcome Minister Calleary, who has designated responsibility for the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, to Longford. We have advised the Minister of the progress that has been made in implementing the Midlands REP across the region, including Longford. Longford County Council, LEO Longford and Longford businesses were key contributors to the development of the MREP to 2024 and are actively contributing to its implementation.
This afternoon we have held discussions around the three strategic objectives of the MREP: transitioning to a carbon neutral economy; smart specialisation and digitalisation and placemaking, and we have also taken the opportunity to visit Co:Worx in Edgeworthstown, who are actively involved advancing specific objectives and actions of the Plan.”
For further information on the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, visit https://www.midlandsireland.ie/resources/
