Midlands celebrates 20 Finalists in the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Hotel Awards
Hotels across the Midlands are celebrating, with the region securing 20 finalists for this year’s highly-anticipated 35th Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Hotel Awards. Now in their 35th year, the Gold Medal Hotel Awards are recognised as the leading independent awards programme for the Irish hospitality industry. After careful consideration and evaluation by the esteemed panel […]
Minister Burke launches new EnergyCloud project in Offaly
Minister Peter Burke, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has launched a new EnergyCloud project in Offaly with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Offaly County Council. The initiative, which was announced as part of an ongoing collaboration between not-for-profit EnergyCloud Ireland and Amazon Web Services (AWS), will enable 300 families in the Midlands to receive […]
Midlands Leads the Way: EU Just Transition Fund Projects Showcase Sustainable Innovation
Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), in collaboration with Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Midlands Campus in Athlone today brought together five key projects funded by the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) who are driving innovation in carbon neutrality and transforming the Midlands region for a panel discussion, dubbed “Green Futures, Sustainable Innovation in the […]
Dreambig Sparks Midlands Manufacturing Revolution
The DREAMBIG programme, led by the ATIM Cluster, expanded to all four Midlands counties in 2024, engaging 91 young people in a dynamic, hands-on introduction to careers in advanced manufacturing from 11th November to the 15th November. This innovative initiative connects students with opportunities in their local region, addressing the challenge of talent attraction in […]
TUS Celebrates 62% Increase in PhD and Masters by Research Graduates
For a third consecutive year, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has celebrated the conferral of its largest-ever cohort of PhD and Masters by Research students across its Midlands and Midwest campuses. 2024 witnessed a remarkable 62% increase in the number of PhD graduates compared to 2023, with a total of 42 PhD and 15 […]
National Hubs Summit takes place in Tullamore
The National Hubs Summit 20024 took place in Tullamore welcoming more than 220 delegates including hub managers, representative bodies, state agencies, and government departments to chart the future of the National Hub Network and discuss its role in transforming how we live, work, and do business. The Midlands is well represented through our Midlands Hubs […]
TikTok Partners with Midlands Science to host TikTok STEM Creative Labs in Portlaoise
TikTok, in partnership with Midlands Science and in association with Science Week, hosted their TikTok STEM Creative Labs, an interactive event for secondary school students, at a bespoke TikTok STEM Creative Lab event in Portlaoise. The event saw teenagers aged 16+ from across the Midlands lean in to #StemTok by participating in a series of […]
BiaSol winners in Irish Business Design Challenge 2024
The winners of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Irish Business Design Challenge 2024 (IBDC) have been announced at an awards ceremony in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. One of the two main awards winners was BiaSol, the family-owned circular food start-up based in Tullamore. BiaSol produce a range of highly nutritious, zero-waste food products […]
Bretland Construction opens HQ in Edenderry
Leading construction company Bretland Construction has opened it’s new corporate headquarters in Edenderry, County Offaly. The official opening coincides with Bretland Construction’s 25th birthday in business. The premier construction company delivers projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for the company’s expanding portfolio of projects and […]
Ericsson’s Athlone R&D centre celebrates 50th anniversary, forges national partnerships for future innovation
One of the largest R&D centres in Ireland Ericsson, a global leader in communications technology and services, is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of its Research and Development (R&D) centre in Athlone. Over the past five decades, the Athlone site has evolved from a factory, initially established in 1974 with 250 employees, to a software development […]
National Women’s Enterprise Day celebrated at the historic Crypt at St Mel’s Cathedral
Businesswomen from across Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath came together in the Crypt in St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED). An annual Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative that is now in its 18th year, this year was bigger than before with over 2,200 attendees at 14 LEO-led events across […]
Center Parcs in Longford welcomes its one millionth guest
Center Parcs Longford Forest, located just outside Ballymahon, is proud to announce that it has welcomed its one millionth guest, doubling this year’s festivities for the company after celebrating five years in business in July. The company, which currently employs 1,251 people, has not only recorded visitor numbers that surpassed expectations since opening, but has […]
€4.15m ReSHAPE project launches at TUS
EU Just Transition Fund initiative to upskill 3,900 learners for the low-carbon economy The ReSHAPE project, a landmark initiative to support the Midlands’ shift to a low-carbon economy, has officially launched at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone Campus. ReSHAPE—short for Regional Skills Horizon and Pathways to Employment—aims to provide 3,900 learners with funded […]
Midlands company wins National Organic Award
Bord Bia has revealed the winners of the National Organic Awards, which included the Laois/Offaly company Garryhinch Mushrooms. The National Organic Awards celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country. Overall, there are seven awards, including the ‘New & Innovative Award,’ which went to Garryhinch […]
Advanced Manufacturing celebrated at ATIM Gala Dinner
The future of advanced manufacturing in the Midlands looks bright as close to 200 attendees came together for the annual ATIM Gala Dinner at the Mullingar Park Hotel. Hosted by the ATIM (Advanced Technology in Manufacturing) Cluster, the event saw members and stakeholders from across the region and beyond come together for an evening presenting […]
New €10 million APT Facility at TUS set to transform Ireland’s Polymer and MedTech Industries
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, officially opened the state-of-the-art Applied Polymer Technologies (APT) research facility at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone Campus. This cutting-edge facility represents a transformative investment in Ireland’s polymer and MedTech industries. The €10 million project began in 2022 and is a key component […]
Mount Lucas Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative awarded €5 million under EU Just Transition Fund
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth T.D., and Ministers of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. and Senator Pippa Hackett have today announced €5 million funding for a new bioeconomy […]
In business for 160 years, SHAWS opens in Athlone
With a recently appointed CEO and a brand-new store opened this week in Athlone, the well-known Irish retail business Shaws Department Store continues to grow. Presently, Shaws operates 16 stores in the main provincial towns of Ireland and employs almost 1000 people. The most recent store has just opened in the Golden Island Shopping Centre, […]
New Programme to Support Economic Growth in Midlands
Ministers Eamon Ryan and Peter Burke attend launch event in Portlaoise A new €3.9m project to support the economic growth of Ireland’s Midlands has been launched at the Cube, Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, Pathway for Just Transition aims to support the economies of Longford, Laois, Offaly and […]
Bon Chocolatiers crafted with love
At Bon Chocolatiers, chocolate is not just a product but a passion. It’s the attention to detail and love that transforms each piece of chocolate into a work of delicious art. The Athlone couple behind ‘Bon Chocolatiers‘, Daniel and Georgia, have recently joined forces with Dunnes Stores for a bespoke range of ‘Simply Better’ chocolate products. […]
Midlands Food & Drink Network Event Highlights Key Supports for Food Businesses to Thrive
The Midlands Regional Food and Drink Network held a highly successful event titled “Overview of Supports to Help Your Food Business Thrive” on Tuesday, September 24th, at The Village Barn, Main Street, Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath. The event is an initiative of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway to Transition, which is co-funded by the Irish […]
Rosaleen’s Gluten-Free Kitchen, Westmeath
Rosaleen’s Kitchen in Westmeath is a certified gluten- and wheat-free artisan bakery, supplying made-to-order breads, scones, muffins, pastries, and cakes. Established in 2013, Rosaleen Coates supplies gluten and wheat-free homemade products made from locally sourced ingredients and has developed new gluten-free dry mixes for home baking. It all began when Rosaleen was diagnosed as coeliac […]
5 Midlands SMEs to showcase at the Local Enterprise Village
Five Midlands businesses will get a chance to exhibit their businesses to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, County Laois, next month. The businesses will feature in the Local Enterprise Village, which houses over 30 small businesses and will be located at the centre of this year’s National Ploughing Championships from […]
In 2023, 1,700 Midlands businesses engaged in upskilling.
In 2023, over 4,600 people and 1,700 businesses in the Midlands region participated in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland Business Network. The vast majority (96-98%) of companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 were small and medium enterprises. Skillnet figures breakdown 58% of those who undertook training were men and 42% were women, […]
Midlands Food and Drink Skills Audit Unveils Critical Findings for National Industry
The recently completed Food and Drink Skills Audit, conducted by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in collaboration with the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP), has unveiled significant insights and recommendations aimed at bolstering the Irish food and drink industry both regionally and nationally. This comprehensive report, which includes international case studies through TUS’s […]
Ashland completes second expansion of Viatel™ bioresorbable polymers manufacturing and R&D lab in Mullingar
Ashland has completed the second expansion of its pharmaceutical injectables manufacturing and R&D lab at the National Science Park in Mullingar, and will celebrate the moment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 22, 2024. This enhancement, completed as scheduled, significantly expands Ashland’s footprint, capabilities and headcount of their Irish facility focused on delivery of innovative […]
Midlands projects to share €3.8m
15, sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will receive grants under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, co-funded by the government and the EU. The grants will enable projects to develop initiatives such as innovation and community hubs, green energy projects, and heritage initiatives. The funding aims to empower local organisations to respond to […]
Great Taste Award winners from the Midlands
Dozens of food producers in the midlands have been recognised in this year’s Great Taste Awards. Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme who put food or drink to the test with a panel of over 500 experts. And even more great news for Athlone Chocolate Producer, Bon Chocolatiers […]
Funding provides learning opportunities for diverse communities in the Midlands
“It continues to support community education partners make sure that these learners are not left behind.” The Education Training Boards in the Midlands have released two fantastic pieces of good news. Longford and Westmeath ETB have been awarded €200,000 in REACH funding to assist marginalised learners in accessing community education programmes, and the Offaly Traveller […]
Tullamore Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan and Town Regeneration Framework Launched
Offaly County Council with Waterways Ireland, Consultants Brady Shipman Martin / Faulkner Browns and Grafton Architects are seeking your views for the future of Tullamore. To ensure that the Tullamore Regeneration Framework and Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan meets the aspirations of the whole community the team would like to hear from all stakeholders within the […]
Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands
Fáilte Ireland has announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU. 22 projects across the wider Midlands region have been approved for €27.1million investment […]
Midlands Region declared Overall Winner at .ie Digital Town Awards 2024
The ‘Midlands Digitisation’ Project take the overall win, as well as the ‘Digital Education’ Award and Athlone’s Midlands Polish Community TV wins ‘Digital Newcomer’ Award The Midlands Region has come out on top at this year’s .ie Digital Town Awards with multiple wins across various categories including being crowned ‘Overall Winner’ at an awards ceremony […]
New Midlands Regional and Town Profiles Showcase Investment Opportunities and Quality of Life
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive Regional and Town Profiles, designed to highlight the Midlands region as the destination of choice for living, working, studying, visiting, and investing. Leveraging the latest data from Census 2022 and other leading sources, these profiles provide a detailed snapshot of the […]
New Midlands Food and Drink Directory Launched to Showcase the Best of Produce from the Region
The online directory hosts over 100 food & drink producers listed from across the Midlands region Midlands Ireland has officially launched a new Midlands Food and Drink Directory at an event held in Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery in Stradbally, Co. Laois. This comprehensive directory celebrates the rich culinary heritage and diverse offerings of the Midlands […]
Midlands food businesses selected for Grow with ALDI Competition
Three Midlands Producers have been selected among the 27 finalists for the Grow with ALDI Competition, 2024. Among this year’s finalists is Tullamore-based business BiaSol, Le Skinny Chef from Laois and Westmeath’s Sugar Plum Sweetery. Celebrating the launch of Grow with ALDI 2024. Photo: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland The 27 ambitious suppliers have earned […]
Midlands projects to receive €18 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has announced the 15 projects in the Midlands that will receive grant awards amounting to €18 million from the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme. All of the awarded projects will invest in local communities, to create employment and to diversify the local economy of […]
Schools Tech Talent Showcased at LOETB S.T.E.A.M. Awards.
There were big wins for secondary schools across Laois and Offaly at the inaugural Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) S.T.E.A.M. Showcase event, held recently at Portlaoise College. The showcase and awards were the climax of a new S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) Programme for LOETB schools, where, as part of a […]
Atim Cluster in €3m EU Supply Chain Resilience Consortium
Midlands-based Industry Cluster atim cluster will represent Ireland and the Advanced Manufacturing sector in a new International Consortium Initiative launched to support EU businesses to Enhance Resilient Supply Chains for Europe. The ResC4EU Consortium proudly announced the launch of its collaboration and support initiative “Resilient Supply Chains for Europe” (ResC4EU) with €3m in European Union […]
Glenisk awarded Guaranteed Irish Business of the Year 2024
Guaranteed Irish celebrated 50 years supporting businesses in Ireland at their annual Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2024, with Midlands-based Glenisk taking home 3 Awards at the event, including the overall Business of the Year Award. Winners were announced at a Gala dinner in the RDS where 400 people enjoyed networking and celebrating their achievements over […]
SSE and Bord na Móna to invest up to €1bn in 800MW Onshore Wind projects in Midlands
Two of Ireland’s leading low-carbon energy companies SSE and Bord na Móna have announced a 50:50 joint venture which will target the delivery of up to 800MW of new renewable onshore wind energy for Ireland. This partnership marks one of the largest onshore renewable energy joint ventures in the history of the state. More than […]
Midlands Company, Integrileads, Opens Doors
IntegriLeads are an award-winning ‘appointment-setting’ company based in Bloom HQ, County Laois, who work with national and international clients. They work with Marketing and Sales departments in companies to convert leads into business. The company is managed by three Laois women; Aisling Kirwan (Sales Director), Jayne Delaney (Operations Director) and Eimear O Connor (Delivery Director). […]
Midlands Companies for National Enterprise Awards, 2024
Four Midlands companies are going forward to the 2024 National Enterprise Awards, which takes place at the Mansion House in Dublin on May 23rd. 31 companies will be competing against eachother for a share of the €35,000 prize fund. The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar. Categories this […]
Bevcraft listed in FT1000 Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies
For the third year in a row, Mullingar-based Bevcraft have been named in the annual FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies rankings from the Financial Times and Statista. Craft can packaging specialist Bevcraft was one of only 3 Irish companies to make the influential list, as it continues to expand its business with successful international growth. […]
Jazz Pharmaceuticals celebrates 10 years in Athlone
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc recently held an event at its Athlone site to commemorate 20 years since the founding of the company and mark 10 years in Athlone. The event also highlighted the site’s role in supporting Jazz’s current and future pipeline focus in both neuroscience and oncology, across both drug development and commercial manufacturing. Jazz […]
Local Enterprise Week, Midlands 2024
Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country. This year Local Enterprise Week takes place from Monday, March 6th to Friday, March 10th! Check out some of highlights taking place in the Midlands region. Longford Highlights Join the Local Enterprise Office Longford, in conjunction with Longford Chamber, on Monday, 4th March 2024, […]
People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction: A €30m Sustainable Gem mooted for the Midlands
In a bid to transform eco-tourism in the Midlands, plans for a ground-breaking €30 million visitor experience, the People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction, are in development. Nestled in the heart of Ballaghurt Bog in Co. Offaly, the visionary project would centre on sustainability and environmental education. The project is led by Peatlands and People in collaboration […]
Zinkworks and Samsung Collaborate to Showcase rApp Innovations at Mobile World Congress 2024
Athlone-based software services developer, Zinkworks, have announced an exciting collaboration with Samsung to showcase their revolutionary rApps at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The event brings together the mobile technology ecosystem at the largest and most influential connectivity event in the world. Held at the Fira Grand Via in Barcelona, it will see […]
Fore Distillery, why not give it a shot!
Fore Distillery is a new craft distillery producing it’s own Golden Rum, White Rum, Poitin and Whiskey. Located close to the picturesque village and Fore Abbey in County Westmeath, they offer guided tours and tasting, with the ‘Barrel and Bean Cafe’ on site. Head Distiller & Founder, Oliver Guirke gives the guided tours and tasting, […]
Midlands Region Selected as a Financial Times ‘European Region of the Future’ for 2024
The Midlands Region of Ireland has been recognised as a ‘European Region of the Future’ by the Financial Times as part of their latest fDi Intelligence ranking on FDI Strategy. This prestigious acknowledgment reflects the region’s outstanding achievements and potential for future growth, as outlined in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) to 2024. Enterprise […]
Google Developer Group to launch in Portlaoise
GDG Portlaoise launching on 21 February. A Hub for Tech Enthusiasts to Connect, Learn, and Innovate Portlaoise is set to become the newest addition to the global Google Developer Groups (GDG) network with the launch of the GDG Portlaoise. The official launch event is being hosted by sponsors FRS Recruitment at The Cube – Low […]
Midlands hosts VEX Robotics Regional Finals
The Midlands hosted the regional finals of the 2024 VEX Robotics Competition in Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore on Tuesday 23rd January, with over 200 secondary school students from across the Midlands region taking part. The competition brings Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning to life with students taking part in a game-based engineering challenge to […]
Fresh Milk from Boora Bainne in Offaly
“During covid, there were long queues for the milk and the conversation”. (Paul Molloy) Boora Bainne is a self service milk vending machine, situated beside Lough Boora Discovery Park, on the road between Blue Ball and Cloghan in County Offaly. Run by Dairy Farmer, Paul Molloy, he is an entrepreneur full of ideas. After the […]
Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan establishes Cluster Exchange Forum
Industry Clusters and Networks based across the Midlands came together for the inaugural Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) Network & Cluster Exchange Forum. Held in Tullamore, the forum saw the 5 Industry Clusters based across the Midlands coming together to support cross-cluster collaboration as well as supporting stakeholders from academia and government. Cross-cluster collaboration can […]
Midlands towns score highly in Work Life Balance Index 2024
Towns across the Midlands have performed strongly in the Switcher.ie Work Life Balance Index for 2024. The annual index researches Ireland’s towns for local services, hybrid working, family life and leisure to find the best places to live and work. The Work-Life Balance Index includes: The Midlands Winners The best performing town in the region […]
636 new jobs supported by Local Enterprise Offices in the Midlands in 2023
Local Enterprise Offices provided support to the highest number of jobs across the country since it began in 2014. In 2023, it contributed to the creation of 6,640 jobs across the country. 82% of new jobs created by LEO client companies were outside of Dublin. 636 of these new jobs were in Laois, Longford, Offaly […]
€5m Community and Enterprise Grant Scheme launched under EU Just Transition Fund
Local Community Organisations and Small to Medium Enterprises across the Midlands region are set to benefit from a €5 million funding call under the European Union Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) announced by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The EU JTF Community and Enterprise Grants scheme, administered by Pobal on behalf of […]
Lough Ree Distillery enters new phase
The family-run Lough Ree micro-distillery began in 2018 in Lanesborough, County Longford. Now entering Phase 2, a full-scale commercial whiskey distillery and visitor experience is about to begin construction on site. With sales and exports growing, a new site is required to enable greater production of it’s multi award winning whiskey, gin and vodka. Producers […]
C&D Foods announce €48m Longford investment with 100 new jobs
C&D Foods, a division of ABP Food Group, has announced an investment of €48 million for their flagship facility at Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. The investment, which includes the creation of one hundred new roles in engineering, operations, supply chain and quality assurance will increase the site’s production capacity by 25%. This is in addition to […]
Midlands strongest for IDA Ireland job growth in 2023
Annual results from IDA Ireland show that the Midlands region was the strongest for job growth in 2023, with a 5.8% increase in employment at IDA client companies in the region, reflecting a stable and resilient FDI sector. Nationally, the Modern Manufacturing and Traditional Manufacturing sectors showed the highest levels of job growth in the […]
Midlands Distilleries win at Irish Whiskey Awards 2023
Midlands Distilleries were well-represented among the many emerging and established Irish whiskey producers and patrons honoured at the 2023 Irish Whiskey Awards which took place at the Jameson Bow Street Distillery in Co. Dublin. The evening commenced with a tour of the distillery and a drinks reception hosted by Irish Distillers at the Jameson Distillery, […]
Novo Nordisk acquire Athlone manufacturing and development facility for €85m
Leading global healthcare company Novo Nordisk has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a manufacturing and development facility in Athlone, Ireland from Alkermes plc. Under the terms of the agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, Alkermes will be entitled to a one-time cash payment of $85 million ($92.5 million) for the facility and […]
Hamiltons of Geashill reopens!
Following the retirement of Jim and Catherine Hamilton, Hamiltons Pub has reopened under the new ownership of Paul Moriarty and Michael Comyn. Both well known figures in the world of broadcasting, they intend to honour the tradition of Hamiltons at the heart of Ireland’s Tidiest Village, Geashill. They say; “As the new custodians of Hamilton’s […]
O’Mimos Sauces a sizzling success
Mimo is adding fresh sage and plenty of it to her Apple Jam sauce mix when I arrive at her house in Portarlington, County Laois. With her husband Seamus O Flynn, she runs O’ Mimos sauces. They set up their successful Sauce business a week before lockdown making; ‘Not so hot’, the ‘Hot Hot’ and […]
Full S.T.E.A.M ahead in Laois and Offaly
A new initiative from LOETB in partnership with Laois and Offaly County Councils will see nine post-primary schools benefit from €10,000 worth of S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) equipment and support. This is part of a new programme to support the development of digital skills among students in LOETB schools over the next […]
Healthy ÍON oils produced in Laois
“I really love the Irish way of living, especially the magnetism of the Irish people” (Andrea Milley) It took Andrea and Markus Milley, both hailing from Germany, to return home to realise how much they cherished Ireland. Now settled back on their farm in Clonanny, Portarlington, they are producing their own edible cold pressed oils. […]
Midlands Finalists Shine in 2023 SEAI Energy Awards
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) work with people, businesses, communities and government to transform how we think about, generate and use energy in Ireland. Their annual SEAI Energy Awards celebrate the innovative and inspiring contributions of individuals, organisations, and communities to the sustainable energy landscape. With the awards now in their 20th year, […]
Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, County Offaly
Anne Marie Feighery is one of Ireland’s only Beetroot Juice producers, using the beetroot grown and nurtured on her home farm just outside Kilcormac, County Offaly. In 2019, Anne Marie noticed a gap in the market for beetroot juice and in a short space of time she has developed her idea into a fully operational […]
Midlands Advanced Manufacturing celebrated at ATIM Cluster Gala Dinner
The inaugural atim cluster Gala Dinner marked a historic milestone in the journey of advanced manufacturing in the Midlands. The evening brought together many of the region’s top manufacturing companies, education and solutions providers underlining the region’s emergence as a leader in technology and innovation. The event was hosted by the atim cluster, who bring […]
Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs welcome new €145m Scheme to promote economic growth across Regions
Smart Regions Funding will further build capacity and encourage innovation At today’s meeting of the Regional Enterprise Plan National Oversight Group, the Steering Committee Chairs welcomed the new fund of €145 million which was recently announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney and Ministers Dara Calleary and Neale Richmond. The Smart Regions […]
‘Ideas Made Real’ Schools STEM Programme launched by IMR in Mullingar
The Midlands is Pioneering the Future of Innovation with the official launch of the new “Ideas Made Real” programme, an initiative of Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar. The dynamic platform is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of visionaries, creators, and leaders by working with schools, students and enterprise to highlight the possibilities of a […]
Connecting our Business Community takes place in Longford
Businesspeople from all over Longford participated in “Connecting our Business Community” – a networking event which perfectly demonstrated the strength of enterprise in the region, with a huge turnout of businesses from major multinationals, to successful exporters, to local SME’s. Hosted by the Longford Local Enterprise Office as part of Longford County Council; the event […]
Abbott Longford celebrates 20 years of Excellence in Diagnostics
Global healthcare leader Abbott is celebrating twenty years of delivering excellence in diagnostics from the company’s manufacturing facility in Longford. Abbott is a leading innovator in the field of diagnostics and its Longford site has received numerous awards thanks to the Longford team’s record of delivering cutting-edge solutions to improve global healthcare. Diagnostic testing provides […]
ICT Skills Survey Finds Potential for over 800 New Midlands Tech Jobs by 2026
The Midlands is set to continue its growth as an increasingly important ICT hub, new research published today suggests. According to the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey, regional companies expect to create up to 800 new ICT jobs over the next 3 years, in addition to over 3,000 already employed in the sector across the […]
Midlands celebrates 4 Ericsson Finalists in Women in STEM Awards 2023
The highly anticipated Women in STEM Awards 2023 celebrate and recognise the incredible achievements and innovations of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Ireland, with the Midlands region celebrating as four women from the Ericsson Athlone team have been named as finalists in the upcoming awards. These awards shine a light on […]
New €24 million fund launches to further support the Just Transition in the Midlands region
Funding of up to €1 million available for local projects, with up to €5 million on offer for strategic, regional flagship projects Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has today announced a further €24 million for the Midlands region under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme, to provide targeted funding […]
Renewable Hydrogen Hub earmarked for Rhode Green Energy Park
Strategically located where an abundance of renewable energy generation meets the national gas network and the electricity grid; Rhode Green Energy Park in Offaly is earmarked to be one of the first hydrogen demonstration hubs in the country. This is the main finding from the Rhode Renewable Hydrogen Feasibility Study which was commissioned by North […]
3 Midlands winners in the 2023 Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards
Representing the four corners of Ireland, the winners of the 2023 Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards were announced at an event hosted by Bord Bia at their new Global Hub in Dublin. Celebrating 25 years, the independent Georgina Campbell Awards are Ireland’s longest running food and hospitality awards. They recognise and honour Ireland’s standard-bearers in food and […]
18 Midlands Finalists in Irish Family Business Awards 2023
The Irish Family Business Awards are back for 2023, and it’s a strong showing from the Midlands region with 18 Finalists in the Awards. Now in their 5th year, the Irish Family Business Awards recognises the dedication, innovation and resilience of family-run enterprises across the nation. This year, there are 22 diverse categories for businesses […]
Abbeyleix Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2023 in big day for the Midlands
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (6 October) announced Abbeyleix, Co. Laois as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023. Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event live-streamed to thousands more online. This year, 887 towns were competing for the […]
Midlands success with 37 Medals at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 37 Medals at the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. Midlands Food and Drink producers took home a total of 13 Gold Medals, 14 Silver Medals and 10 Bronze Medals at the Awards, […]
Ballycommon Training Centre, where the heart is.
Ballycommon Training Centre is not just a training provider hub in County Offaly, it has become the beating heart of the community there. Situated just ten minutes from Tullamore, Geashill and Daingean. According to Manage,r Deirdre Arnold, Ballycommon Training Centre was established by the community for the community; “this is the absolute heart of the […]
8 Midlands Finalists in 2023 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards
The annual Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards is one the biggest nights in Irish Food, and this year the Midlands is celebrating 8 nominations across 6 different awards categories. Food & Wine magazine have developed the influential awards, and they are run in partnership with the Sunday Business Post and with sponsors […]
Midlands to host Medtech and Manufacturing ‘Future of Work’ Seminar
A national seminar exploring the Future of Work in Medtech & Manufacturing takes place in Athlone on Thursday October 5th. The event is a Free Information & Networking Seminar on Funded Training and Industry Insights for Medtech and Manufacturing businesses of all sizes. The Midlands is well-recognised as a centre of excellence in Advanced Manufacturing, […]
Midlands Night-time Economy Workshop Series
Across the Midlands region, a series of talks and workshops have been taking place looking at the potential of the Night-time Economy in the region. The final events in the series, held recently in Longford and Mullingar, followed previous events in Athlone, Tullamore and Portlaoise. The purpose has been to start discussions, share ideas, and […]
Agritech in Midlands wins at Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards 2023
Biodegradable polymers for mineral bolus systems from PolyBo, and Methane measurement technology from Agri Data Analytics were two innovative Midlands Agritech winners at this year’s Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards. The winners of the Innovation Arena competition, hosted by Enterprise Ireland in association with the National Ploughing Association, were announced at an awards ceremony attended […]
Are ya Ploughing?
66,250 people attended Day One of the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. Let’s take a look at highlights for Wesdnesday and Thursday. With heavy rain yesterday, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said, “I must say you are all surviving very well as loyal supporters of the Ploughing!” The 82 year old President pointed out […]
Klaaskickz, Mullingar leaps into success
“50% of Primary School Kids in Ireland, can’t kick a ball correctly.” (Belton, 2020) What are Klaaskickz colour coded boots? A Mullingar based company ‘Klaaskickz’ has created and developed colour-coded football boots to help children under 10 to learn the basics of kicking through colours and development of the fundamental movement skills. Klaaskickz is named […]
Local Enterprise Village showcases Midlands Companies at the Ploughing Championships
Spotlight on Four Midlands Businesses at the Local Enterprise Village Year on year, the Local Enterprise Village proves to be one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Ploughing Championships. This year, over 30 small businesses from across the country will get an opportunity to sell and promote themselves to crowds of almost 300,000 […]
Accelerate Green 2024 now open for green innovators
Sustainability Entrepreneurs in the Midlands encouraged to apply for the 2024 Accelerate Green executive accelerator programme from Bord na Móna. Leading Executive Accelerator programme for Green Business Applications are now open until November 10th 2023, for companies to take part in Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green programme. SMEs in the Midlands looking to scale, start-ups […]
Midlands success with 19 Finalists in the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 19 Food and Drink producers from the region named as Finalists in the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. The Awards are the latest in a string of accolades for Midlands Food and […]
Fáilte Ireland open €17m Just Transition Fund Scheme for Midlands regenerative tourism projects
Fáilte Ireland has today (29 August 2023) launched an open call for Expressions of Interest for its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026. The scheme aims to transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands […]
Mobile NZEB Training Unit launched by LOETB Mount Lucas National Construction Training Centre
Laois Offaly Education and Training Board LOETB continue to lead the way in Construction Training with the launch of an innovative Mobile NZEB Training Unit by the National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas. The new Mobile Training Unit will be used to demonstrate NZEB Construction Training and Career Opportunities nationwide, and was officially launched […]
Great Taste Awards for 34 Midlands Food & Drink products
A total of 34 food and drink products, from 10 of the best food and drink producers in the Midlands, have been accredited with Great Taste Awards for 2023. The Great Taste Awards are run by the Guild of Fine Foods to support independent food and drink producers, and are one of the largest and […]
Call now open for €10 million Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative under Just Transition Fund
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., along with his colleagues Ministers of State Martin Heydon T.D. and Senator Pippa Hackett today announced the opening of a new innovation support measure for the bioeconomy in the Midlands region. The ‘Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ is part of the EU Just Transition Fund for Ireland […]
ESB confirms €500,000 Longford community dividend under Just Transition
Longford County Council is delighted to welcome confirmation that ESB is delivering on its commitment, outlined as part of Just Transition, of making a community dividend of €500,000 available to the Lanesborough area. It comes as the ESB also confirms that ownership of one of their former industrial buildings in the town is also to […]
Female entrepreneurs in the Midlands encouraged to apply for ACORNS new business development programme
Female Entrepreneurs across the Midlands are encouraged to apply for ACORNS, which is a free development programme for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland and funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. The deadline for applications is midnight, September 22nd. In a survey carried […]
3 Midlands Finalists in 2023 Sustainable Business Impact Awards
The finalists for the 2023 Sustainable Business Impact Awards from Chambers Ireland have been announced, with 3 Midlands businesses – DPD Ireland, the FACTORY, and Ballykilcavan Brewing – in the running for awards. The Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards are run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development and recognise initiatives […]
New ‘Work, Live Westmeath’ Remote Work Initiative Launched
Work, Live Westmeath is a new Remote Working initiative by Westmeath County Council showcasing Westmeath’s endless possibilities as a great place to live, work or start a business. The new brand and marketing campaigns are set to highlight Westmeath as a vibrant location that boasts a scenic and rich natural environment with a great quality […]
Launch of Renewable Energy Hub at Birr Technology Centre
The Renewable Energy Hub has been opened at the Birr Technology Centre to create a centre of excellence for firms, both local and international, developing and supplying renewable energy technologies. Firms based at the hub will provide a range of services to the commercial sector and households seeking renewable energy solutions. Pippa Hackett, Minister of […]
21 Midlands Finalists in Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2023
Food and Drink producers in the Midlands have received 21 nominations in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 2023, in recognition of the world-class food and drink producers located throughout the region. Now in their 10th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have become a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and […]
Panelto Foods establishes UK and Ireland platform within 3i-backed European Bakery Group
Longford-based Panelto Foods, the bakery group specialising in bake-off artisan breads, have announced that they will join the European Bakery Group, establishing the UK and Ireland platform within the pan-European bakery group, backed by 3i Group plc. European Bakery Group was formed in May 2023 with the combination of Dutch Bakery, a leading bakery group […]
12 Finalists for the Midlands in Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023
A big day for Midlands Hospitality as the region receives 12 nominations in the Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023. Bars across the region have been named finalists in 8 different categories, from Hotel Bar of the Year, to Gastro Bar of the Year, Tourist Bar of the Year and Best Value Pub. Leading […]
Midlands’ The Merry Mill is Finalist in 2023 EU Organic Awards
The finalists of the 2023 edition of the EU Organic Awards have been announced, with Laois-based organic food producer The Merry Mill one of just 24 finalists from across 11 EU countries. The awards saw applications from all over Europe, with the winners to be announced at the official award ceremony being held in Brussels […]
The Midlands Emerges as the ‘Home of Events’ with Over 1 Million Visitors Expected in the Next Two Months
Ireland’s Midlands is set to become the ultimate destination for entertainment, culture, and agriculture events, as it prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors over the next two months. With a series of highly anticipated gatherings, including the renowned Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, the Midlands solidifies its position as the ‘Home of Events’. […]
Midland Steel win European funding to make Industry Greener
It is estimated globally that the carbon footprint generated from raw material steel is 1.4 tonnes per produced tonne of steel according to the IEA, and 1.85 tonnes according to the World Steel Association. Waste generated within the Reinforcement Steel manufacturing process is estimated to be between 2% – 8%. Tony Woods, CEO of Midland […]
Microsoft Dream Space success for Longford students
Congratulations to Colmcille Broadband Connection Point (BCP), St Joseph’s National School and Scoil Bhríde Glen, who won awards at the first ever national Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, representing both Co. Longford and the broader Midlands region at the STEM event. Prize winners from the inaugural Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, which was held in Edgeworthstown […]
TUS to benefit from €84m TU RISE Fund for Research and Enterprise Support
Technological University of the Shannon is set to benefit from the new €83.68 million TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) Fund announced by Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD. The scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional […]
Leading Software Engineering Firm Sidero Acquired by GlobalLogic
Acquisition Further Expands GlobalLogic’s Engineering, Architecture, and Cloud Software Development Capabilities and European Footprint Athlone-based Sidero is a founding member of the Midlands ICT Cluster GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group Company and a leader in Digital Engineering, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sidero Ltd., an Ireland-based engineering services and […]
Bowes celebrates 10 years in business
This week, Bowes Foodhall & Café In Durrow County Laois, celebrates it’s 10th birthday. In July last year, Food Critic, Tom Doorley stopped off on his trip from Dublin to Cork and wanted to start a campaign for more ‘Boweism’ when he entered the foodhall. In his Daily Mail article, he had high praise “Bowe’s […]
Information Seminar on €20m Midlands Bioeconomy Initiative Scheme
Under the EU Just Transition Fund, the Midlands region will benefit from a €20m Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative Scheme to invest in sustainable bioeconomy development. The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, and host partner The Cube in Portlaoise, will hold an information session regarding the scheme. As Ireland moves towards a low-carbon economy, the […]
Midlands centre stage at BoostUp! 2023 IRELAND Edition
Advanced Manufacturing in the Midlands took centre stage as Mullingar hosted BoostUp! 2023 IRELAND Edition, with atim cluster partnering with EIT Manufacturing and hosts Irish Manufacturing Research to bring the innovative Start-Up Competition to the region. There was success for the region in the competition with Mersus Technologies from Athlone taking a podium place, and […]
Offaly ready to rival Europe’s key cities as green Data Centre Hub
Offaly is well-placed to become a new hub for data centres with the potential to create thousands of green jobs, according to a new report by technology company Siemens. The study, commissioned by Offaly County Council, explores how Offaly in the Irish Midlands region could rival Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an […]
Midlands Women in Tech Career Networking Morning
On Saturday 24th June 2023, Midlands Women in Tech will host a Career Networking Morning at the Ardonagh Analytics Lab in Mullingar from 10am to 12pm. The Midlands Women in Tech community aims to close the gender gap and to help women and girls embrace Tech by educating and inspiring more women about the opportunities […]
Success for Midlands with 2 Wins at the National Enterprise Awards 2023
Mullingar-based Watt Footprint have taken home the National ‘One to Watch’ Award at the National Enterprise Awards 2023. Watt Footprint is an innovative tech-enabled energy management service company delivering significant energy savings for businesses. The Midlands also took home a Regional Award, with Offaly’s Glass Innovations taking home the Mid-East Regional Award. The region was […]
Accelerate Green Conference – Ireland’s Sustainable Future 2023
The Accelerate Green Conference – Ireland’s Sustainable Future 2023 saw hundreds of visionary leaders, industry experts, and change makers assemble in the Midlands for an event focused on driving sustainable solutions for a better tomorrow. The conference featured thought-provoking talks, engaging discussions and innovative ideas that will shape the future of our planet. Chairman of […]
Ardonagh Analytics Lab officially opens new office in Mullingar
The Ardonagh Analytics Lab, part of the global insurance distribution platform, The Ardonagh Group, moved into its new state-of-the-art office in Mullingar as part of its ambitious expansion strategy. The lab, which provides insights for Ardonagh’s set of international businesses, first opened in 2021, with support from the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. The Analytics […]
Triple-win for Midlands at Irish Restaurant Awards
At the 2023 Irish Restaurant Awards last night, Longford’s Fiona Egan said she was “Absolutely blown away to have won the All Ireland category for Best Cookery School at the Irish Restaurants Awards”. Fiona Egan Cloughan Farm and Cookery School in Abbeyshrule, were recognised as the Best Cookery School in Ireland to foster a passion […]
Midlands Food & Drink Directory
Food and Drink producers across the Midlands region are invited to be listed in a new Midlands Food and Drink Directory which is being developed as part of the Midlands Food & Drink Strategy. The new Directory will be a go-to guide for the regional food and drink producers, and will be hosted here on […]
Midlands ICT Skills Survey 2023
The Midlands ICT Cluster with the Midlands Regional Skills Forum are conducting a Skills Survey to identify Critical Vacancies, Key Skills Needs, and Levels of Upskilling required to ensure alignment among employers in the region, education & training providers, and regional supporting agencies. The Survey relates to ICT and Digital Skills, and is open to […]
Grow Remote Summit 2023
The Midlands is set to host a major National Remote Working Conference on June 8-9th, with an impressive line-up of international leaders and experts in Remote Working descending on Portlaoise to bring together the remote working community, leaders in government, business innovators, and employers to explore the future of work. The last 2 years has […]
Midlands hosts Climate Action Conference
Tullamore played host to a National Conference on the Economic Opportunities arising from Climate Action, and how local government can support as drivers for change. The event was organised by CARO Climate Action Regional Offices and the Local Authorities, and MC on the day was Newstalk’s Jonathan Healy. In his keynote address, Minister for Enterprise […]
New Guestrooms, a great addition to Longford
PV’s Bar & Kitchen, is a newly refurbished Gastro Bar located in the heart of Longford town. It was during Covid, when the Longford couple, Barry and Lisa Lynam, worked hard to get the Ballymahon Street pub ready for opening. When it re-opened, two years ago, it provided 15 jobs to the local area, while […]
€169m EU Just Transition Fund Programme for Midlands officially launched
Massive programme of investment will help support green jobs, energy and agriculture – in the move away from fossil fuels and peat extraction. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, along with Ministers across Government parties, today launched Ireland’s Programme for the EU Just Transition Fund at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in […]
Launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster Action Plan
Today, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, marked the official launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster Action Plan at the Building Better Business event held at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. In launching the Action Plan, Minister Calleary said “I am delighted today to be publishing the Action Plan […]
The Yard Hub, Abbeyshrule
The Yard Hub, the new remote working facility ‘The Yard Hub’ has become a symbol of hope for Abbeyshrule. After it’s phenomenal transformation from derelict sheds, Recently, Minister Heather Humphreys officially opened the facility and thanked the Tidy Towns, Waterways Ireland, and Longford County Council’s Regeneration Team for their commitment to the project. She also […]
Midlands County Enterprise Award winners 2023
The 4 winners of County Enterprise Awards for the Midlands are the perfect snapshot of the innovative SME’s which are at the heart of enterprise in the region. As part of National Enterprise Week, the Local Enterprise Offices in Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath each awarded their County Enterprise Award Winners for 2023. The four […]
Nuts & Grains, Mullingar
“The thing about a health shop, like any local shop, we have to stock every little thing from toilet cleaner to face cream, but natural” (Marion Moffat, owner of Nuts & Grains) There’s something comforting about ‘Nuts & Grains’ on Friars Mill Road Mullingar. Maybe it’s the yeasty, herbal, soapy smell that permeate the shop […]
Degree Course Access for Midlands students
“A student could complete the first year of a computing course in Laois/Offaly ETB and then have a guaranteed route into SETU to pursue a degree.” (Minister Simon Harris) For the first time in Ireland, there will be guaranteed access to a degree programme that starts in further education and concludes in higher education. A […]
Fraynes Home Bakery, Mullingar
‘Fraynes Home Bakery and Coffee shop’ is a family-run business located on Mount Street, Mullingar since 1971. A framed news article on the wall reads; ‘Mullingar’s Oldest Bakery still thriving’. Fraynes is certainly withstanding all the new coffee chains and trendy barista cafés that have opened up over the last decade. Maybe it is the […]
The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence opens in Portlaoise
The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence has been officially opened by Minister Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The 10,000 square foot Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, a dedicated centre for the development of new business and economic activity, will in turn support and assist a transition to a low carbon economy. […]
Laois artist Alan Meredith wins award
Laois artist, Alan Meredith is one of seven artists to receive a Golden Fleece Award of €35,000. The funding is for artists working in all forms of visual, craft and applied arts and was established as a charitable bequest by Helen Lillias Mitchell (1915-2000). Alan lives and works from his studio in Laois, creating pieces […]
The future is ‘Greenaer’
What is Greenaer, Mullingar? “It could be one of the most transformative purchases in your life” (Alan Maye, Greenaer) In the heart of the midlands, at Lough Sheever Business Park, Mullingar, you will discover ‘Greenaer’ and a glimpse in to the future. ‘Greenaer’ are part of the mobility revolution. Greenaer was set up by Olivier […]
Friends keep café open in Athlone
Have you ever wanted to purchase your local café because you loved it so much? When ‘Fine & Wine Food Company’ in Athlone, closed it’s doors, a group of friends got together and decided to buy it themselves. “If we didn’t do it, it would have been closed” explains Ciaran O’Connor, who runs the new […]
Two Midlands firms listed in annual FT1000 Europe Rankings
Two Mullingar-based firms, Bevcraft and Zoosh Digital, have been named in the annual FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies rankings from the Financial Times and Statista. Craft can producer Bevcraft was the top performing Irish company on the influential ranking. This is the second year the company has featured on the list, as it continues to […]
Bord na Móna launch Accelerate Green 2023
Bord na Móna will invest €5m over the next three years in Accelerate Green, its Offaly-based accelerator programme for green innovation companies. Accelerate Green is the leading accelerator programme in Ireland dedicated to scaling companies leading the response to climate action and sustainability, by developing products and services based on green innovation. The semi-state company […]
European Digital Innovation Hub confirmed for Mullingar
A significant win for the Midlands region as a European Digital Innovation Hub, FactoryxChange, has been announced for Mullingar as part of the Digital Europe Programme. FactoryxChange is a consortium led by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Technology Centre Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) at the National Science Park in Mullingar. The Hub will focus on digital […]
Twelve Points Restaurant opening soon
The brand new Twelve Points Restaurant will open at Easter in Killua Castle, County Westmeath. Located near Clonmellon, in the heart of rural Ireland and at the edge of the Boyne Valley, their ethos lies in using local produce particularly those reared or grown within the vast estate. At the moment the Twelve points team […]
Midlands winners at Green Awards 2023
The Midlands is celebrating as 2 leading businesses in the region have won at the Green Awards 2023, which recognise the very best in Green Business and Sustainability across Ireland. Athlone-based DPD Ireland are the largest parcel delivery company in the country, handling over 20 millions parcels each year. The company have put sustainability at […]
Athlone named a Top 10 City for Foreign Direct Investment
There’s international recognition for the Midlands as an investment destination, as Athlone is again named a Top 10 City for Foreign Direct Investment for 2023 by FDI Intelligence from the Financial Times. The influential rankings highlight the best and brightest among Europe’s Investment Destinations. This years report featured over 370 cities, from major cities such […]
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms
Garryhinch Wood Exotic is a long-standing family-run farm by Joe & Dolores Gorman, on the banks of the river Barrow on the borders of counties Laois and Offaly. They started off with 2 tunnels in 1989 successfully growing ‘button white mushrooms’ until July 2016 when their business collapsed due to Brexit. At the time, they […]
‘Hummingbird’ Portarlington, a home away from home.
“I do believe, we are being guided” Gillian Treacy Gillian Treacy and her husband Ronan took over ‘Mooney’s Drapery’ in the centre of Portarlington in 2019. Now a thriving cafe and interior design shop, Hummingbird Interiors, is a buzzing hub of activity. Gillian was severly injured in a car accident in 2014 which took the […]
TUS and Zinkworks Launch €2M Telecommunications Research Group
Technological University of the Shannon and Athlone-based technology company Zinkworks have launched a new €2M Telecommunications Research Group to Make Driverless, Intelligent Shipping Ports a Reality The group will develop cutting-edge autonomous port management capabilities using 5G, AI and cloud, improving eco-efficiency and safety. As the race for self-driving cars heats up, a team of […]
CAO Points ‘game-changer’
A new government initiative will allow students to start a degree programme in a college of further education (FE) and finish it in a university, without the big worry of CAO points. For the Midlands, TUS (Technological University of the Shannon) will be involved in the initial phase. This landmark policy will see students commence […]
2023 Green Awards features 7 Midlands Finalists
The Midlands region is celebrating an outstanding 7 Award Nominations at the upcoming Green Awards 2023, which recognise the very best in Green Business and Sustainability across Ireland. Topping the Midlands entries is Laois’s C J Sheeran, nominated for 3 Awards. The Mountrath-based business is Ireland’s top producer and recycler of wooden packaging products, and […]
Enterprise Ireland show 4% jobs growth in Midlands for 2022
Midlands businesses backed by Enterprise Ireland increased employment numbers by 4% in 2022, according to new figures released by the Agency today. The total number employed by businesses working with Enterprise Ireland in the region now stands at close to 12,000. In 2021, the Midlands region was the fastest-growing region in the country for the […]
WINES DIRECT, MULLINGAR EXPANDING
Congratulations to Wines Direct Ltd, Mullingar, after Westmeath County Council granted planning permission for them to enter the Athlone market.Located in Lough Sheever, Business Park, Mullingar, they expanded location is earmarked for Units 1 and 3, at The Hickey Building, along Magazine Road, Athlone. The project will involve amalgamating both units into one. Gareth Keogh and his brother Gavin, are […]
Start a new Course in January, 2023?
Why not start the year 2023 afresh by taking up a new course with your local Further Education and Training Centre? We have compiled a list of some part-time and FREE courses taking place across the midlands, that range in skills from ‘Mindfullness’ to Bookkeeping, Art or even Construction. Most people think they can only […]
New STEM Building approved for TUS Athlone with capacity for 1,000 students
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today (21 December) welcomed the conclusion and signing of the contracts for the construction of six new buildings across multiple campuses in the eastern, southern and midlands regions. As part of the announcement, a new 65,000sq.ft. STEM Building will be constructed on […]
EU officially approves €169 million Just Transition Fund for the Midlands Region
The European Commission has today officially approved Ireland’s Territorial Just Transition Plan and associated Programme for 2021-2027. The approval has been welcomed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, and follows government approval on 29 November 2022. The EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) is targeted at the Midlands region. The designated […]
€68 million in EU Just Transition Funding allocated to Tourism in Ireland’s Midlands
Tourism across the Midlands region is set to be transformed through a regenerative tourism scheme which will be funded by the Just Transition Fund. €68million has been allocated to the National Tourism Development Authority, Failte Ireland, to implement a Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands. The focus of the scheme is to provide […]
Well that beats Banagher!
Banagher is looking good! The Banagher Painting Scheme has been completed, have a look at the photos. The aim of the Scheme was to improve the visual appearance of the town on the approach from the Marina. Funded under a Department of Rural and Community Development initiative, applications were received from eligible property owners in […]
Brewing up a storm!
Breweries in the Midlands There is no better time of year than Christmas to support your local brewery. Beer consumption in Ireland can often lack variety, as it is often the same beverages that are sold in the majority of pubs. This may be due to demand and lack of knowledge of what else is […]
Midlands announced as first region to rollout QHubs Programme
The Midlands region has been selected as the first region in Ireland to rollout the new QHubs Quality and Innovation Management Programme. QHubs is a world-first Quality and Innovation programme for Remote Working Hubs, aimed at fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ongoing innovation, and best-in-class leadership across Ireland’s national network for remote hubs. As […]
Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Survey Launched
Survey highlights critical skills and upskilling needs of Manufacturing Enterprise in the Midlands The Midlands Regional Skills Forum today launched the Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Survey 2022. The survey gives clear direction in terms of the critical vacancies and upskilling needs of business in the region, while also ensuring employers are fully aware of all available […]
Minister Calleary visits Midlands as part of implementation of Regional Enterprise 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 […]
Tánaiste sets out Ireland’s ambition for a green and digital economy
Tánaiste, Ministers Calleary and English launch White Paper on Enterprise Government sets out Enterprise Policy direction to 2030 The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD and Ministers of State Dara Calleary TD and Damien English TD, have launched the White Paper on Enterprise which was approved by Government today. Following […]
Midlands Finalists in National Digital Awards
Digital Business Ireland, together with Permanent TSB have announced the top five finalists in each of the 22 categories of this year’s National Digital Awards. Seven finalists have been announced from the Midlands. The annual series rewards businesses, people and organisations who have demonstrated excellence in digital. Focusing on three of the nominees, congratulations to […]
Keilidh Cashell in ‘Ireland’s 30 under 30s list’
Keilidh Cashell (26) KASH Beauty (Mullingar, Westmeath) Every year the Irish Indepedent put together their ‘Ireland’s 30 under 30 list’, which is a list of the next generation of Irish business high flyers under the age of 30. This year, Keilidh Cashell (26), Ireland’s most-followed makeup artist and beauty influencer, makes it onto the list. […]
Technimark to create 80 jobs with €26m investment in Longford facility
Technimark, a global manufacturing leader for the healthcare market, announced today that it will create 80 new highly skilled roles over the next two years as it expands its operations in Longford, with a 50,000-square-foot addition, doubling the size of its existing plant. Technimark will be investing €26 million to expand the facility’s capacity in […]
The FACTORY, Birr to open Eco School
“We want this to be the most sustainable example business in the whole world, not just in Ireland, the vision is bigger than that.” (Brendan Dooley, Managing Director of The FACTORY) There’s a saying in Design, that it’s just as important to use beautiful wood on the back of the cabinet as it is on […]
Niall Fay of Grant Engineering announced as new Chair of Engineering Industries Ireland
Engineering Industries Ireland, the Ibec group that represents engineering businesses, is pleased to announce the appointment of Niall Fay, Director of Grant Engineering, as its new Chair. Based in Offaly, Grant Engineering has grown to become one of Ireland’s largest Engineering firms, providing heating solutions to homes across Irish and European markets. Their expansive facility […]
Athlone chocolatiers head for RDS
Athlone chefs Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan from Bon Chocolatiers are set to feature at Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, at the RDS from November 30 to December 4. The couple are classically trained and have worked alongside industry leaders, notably Michelin Starred restaurant Campagne and Bib Gourmand restaurant Thyme. Both have attended […]
Ireland’s first ever National Hub Summit launched in Athlone
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today made a series of announcements in support of Remote Working as she launched the first ever National Hub Summit. The Summit in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone brought together the first ‘in-person’ gathering of businesses, hub managers and policy makers, less than 18 months after […]
Grant Engineering invest €13 million in UK market expansion
Grant Engineering, the Birr-based leader in heating and plumbing solutions, continue their international growth with the opening of a new premises for their Grant UK business, with the Company’s Head Office, warehousing and Training Academy now based in Swindon, Wiltshire. The Company’s new site includes offices and storage facilities that are three times larger than […]
Longford store wins Fashion & Footwear Store of the Year!
Longford retailer ‘Fabiani’ was named Fashion & Footwear Store of the Year at the AIBMS Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2022. Overall Retail Excellence Ireland, announced 10 winners at the glamorous awards ceremony last weekend. The awards, in association with AIB Merchant Services, were hosted in the Galmont Hotel in Galway and were attended by 500 […]
Abbeyleix Bakery on the Rise
David began his career with Conrad Gallagher in the Pastry Section of one of his restaurants and it was here he met and his future business partner, Wellie Lopes da Silva, who is originally from Sao Paulo. It was at the restaurant where their “great friendship” began and Wellie and David now run their successful […]
Official Launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster
Today, Ms Sinéad Pillion, Head of Operations, Ericsson Athlone and Industry Chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster Steering Committee marked the official launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster at an event held at the Ericsson Software Campus, Athlone, County Westmeath. In launching the Cluster, Ms Pillion said “It’s a pleasure to officially launch the Midlands […]
Thyme Restaurant Athlone makes Irish Times Guide
Thyme Restaurant, Athlone has made it into the Guide for ‘Great-value Irish restaurants: 13 places to go for dinner’. Corinna Hardgrave and Joanne Cronin have searched Ireland for the most exciting places to eat fabulous food at terrific prices and you will find them in their ‘100 great-value restaurants, cafes and places to eat in […]
On the ‘MOO-VE’ TO SOLAS
From this weekend in Solas Eco Garden Shop, Portarlington, you can now buy ‘Moo Cow Milk’. ‘Moo Cow fresh milk’ was created by husband and wife team Mícheál and Cora Finlay who are dairy farmers in Portarlington. It will be on sale from ‘SOLAS Farmers’ Market’ through their state-of-the-art milk vending machine. It comes in […]
Midlands ICT Information Session at TUS
The bright future for ICT in the Midlands was the focus of an insightful event at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone, as Midlands Local Enterprise Offices and their clients came together for an information session delivered by teams from TUS and the COMAND Technology Gateway on the funding mechanisms open to business […]
New Further Education Facility for Athlone
Further Education in the Midlands to receive another significant boost, with a multi-million euro investment for Athlone getting the go ahead, which will see a new Further Education Facility being developed on grounds of the Athlone Training Centre Campus. The project was announced by LWETB Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) and Minister Simon […]
Midlands Food & Drink wins 18 Awards at Blas na hEireann 2022
It was a hugely successful event for Midlands Food and Drink Producers at the prestigious Blas na hEireann Awards 2022 in Dingle. The region won a total of 18 Awards, including Gold, Silver and Bronze, as well as a number of Chef’s Larder Awards. The winning producers showcase the quality and broad flavours of Midlands […]
Midlands at the centre of building a new Ireland.
John Kelly is the Manager of the LOETB – National Construction Training Centre, Mount Lucas, County Offaly and recently he took me on a tour of the 33-acre sight. It is the only place in Ireland doing the national scaffolding apprenticeship which was officially launched in July by Minister Simon Harris. At the time he also […]
New Variety of courses in Further Education
Thinking of starting a new course, something new, and looking for something a little different? Did you know that along with many of the courses on offer in Further Education, you can now study Science, Sound Engineering, Music Performance or even Digital Media with your local Education and Training Board? There are dozens of Community […]
Brother and Sister ‘lockdown’ success story
“People in Ireland aren’t aware of the amount of funding and support that’s out there for them.” (Ruairi Dooley BiaSol) When brother and sister Ruari (31) and Niamh Dooley (28) were little they never got on! With tales of ‘Barbie haircutting’ and ‘soap on toothbrushes’, it’s hard to believe the Tullamore based brother and […]
Browne’s expand to Tullamore
There’s a reason ‘addicted to progress’ is written in neon lights over Padraig Browne’s new venture in business. Known for the provenance and quality of their food, Padraig and his family are no strangers to progress. At 40 Padraig moved from Waterford to work in the meat business in the midlands. At 57 and three […]
New Film Studios for Mullingar
Hammerlake Studios are planning a 460,000sq.ft Studio Campus in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The development may become Ireland’s largest film studio facility. It is set to produce movies and shows for the global market and create 1,000 jobs in Lough Sheever Business Park. 300 construction staff will be employed during the building phase, with the first phase […]
Midlands Hospice Gets Go Ahead
GREEN LIGHT! €20 Million Funding Announced For Midlands Hospice!The government has announced €20 Million in funding for the construction of a 20-bed facility at Tullamore Regional Hospital. The Midlands Region has been fighting for it’s own Centre of Excellence for decades. This is great news for a campaign and story that has been running for […]
Midlands win big at IMR Manufacturing & Supply Chain Award 2022
Two Midlands companies win Big at the 2022 Irish Manufacturing Research Manufacturing & Supply Chain Awards which took place in the Kilashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare last Friday. No strangers to Awards, Mersus Technologies in Athlone who won ‘Best Training and Development Programme’ for their work with Boston Scientific Cork, in an award sponsored […]
Midlands-based The Factory finalist in SEAI Energy Awards
Congratulations to eco-print and graphic design company, The Factory, on being named as a Finalist in the 2022 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Awards. The company, based in Five Alley near Birr, is run by father and daughter team, Brendan and Lisa Dooley. The company is nominated in the Small to Medium Enterprise […]
Ploughing 2022 opens in Ratheniska
All roads lead to Ratheniska, Co. Laois for the next 3 days, as the Midlands plays host to the National Ploughing Association / Championships and World Ploughing Championships 2022. With 300,000 visitors due to attend over the course of the event, it’s one of the biggest events in the country, with up to 1,700 exhibitions […]
Launch of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 was launched by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Mullingar on 1 March 2022. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 was launched by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Mullingar on 1 March 2022. The new Plan includes projects and initiatives across the four Midlands […]
Department of Enterprise announce €10m in government funding available under the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme
The scheme is part of Government’s programme of assistance for regional enterprise development and assistance to regions facing socio-economic difficulties and transition as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and other regional challenges associated with Brexit. The objective of the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme is to provide assistance, including funding supports, to regionally based not-for-profit undertakings that […]
Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2021-2024 launched
Today, Robert Troy, T.D. , Minister of State Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for Trade Promotion & the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan marked the publication of the Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2021-2024. At an outdoor event at Irish Manufacturing Research AM Lab, National Science Park, Dublin Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath today. […]
Department of Enterprise launches MidlandsIreland.ie Regional Food & Drink Strategy 2021-2024
Mr. Robert Troy, T.D. , Minister of State, DETE with responsibility for Trade Promotion & the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan today launched the MidlandsIreland.ie Regional Food & Drink Strategy 2021-2024 The strategy focuses on strengthening the food & drink sector in the region through four strategic pillars: • Sustainability: Build a more sustainable food & […]
