New Innovation Growth Centre Contract Signed
November 2012
The contract to build a new €1.4 million Innovation Growth Centre in Carrick on Shannon has been signed by Leitrim County Enterprise Fund and Adston Ltd. The new centre, set to provide an exciting business environment for a new dynamic community of entrepreneurs, is part of The Innovation Enterprise Programme (IEP); a cross-border initiative between Leitrim and Omagh with the aim of supporting the creation and development of innovative technology-oriented businesses in the region.
The Innovation Enterprise Programme (IEP) received €2,272,418, part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The Programme is led by the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) in partnership with Omagh District Council, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, Leitrim County Enterprise Board, Leitrim County Council and Omagh Enterprise Company.
Adston is a long established construction firm, headquartered in Cavan, with a wealth of experience in design, project management and construction in a wide variety of sectors. Work on the new Innovation Growth Centre, which will be built at the Leitrim County Enterprise Fund site on the Dublin Road, Carrick on Shannon, is due to be completed in the summer of 2013. The 7,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building will provide a purpose built, technology focused business environment suitable for attracting high value companies and supporting the start-up and growth of indigenous businesses in the region.
Importantly, high speed broadband at affordable prices and flexible lease terms will help contain costs at a critical point in a business’s gestation. The hot desk facility, which is new to the region, enables people to drop-in and work in a vibrant environment with like minded individuals. The new Technology Enterprise Centre will be a ‘one stop shop’ offering more than just office space to growing entrepreneurs. Business advisory services, including specialist consultancy, mentoring, seminars and cross-border network events all help support and facilitate those looking to develop a business idea.
Speaking of this exciting new development, Joe Lowe, Secretary of Leitrim County Enterprise Fund said “There has been a constant demand over the last number of years for such a space. The Centre will attract new and growing businesses to a shared innovation space which is designed for collaboration – an open environment where people come to share and grow. This will have a resultant impact of reducing ‘brain drain’ for the area by providing high quality employment opportunities for highly skilled people in the region.”
Jackie Maguire, Chairperson of Leitrim County Enterprise Fund also believes that the new Centre will be a tremendous asset to Leitrim, stating “I greatly welcome this new Centre which will be of great benefit to the ongoing innovation efforts within the county”.
For further information on the Technology Enterprise Centre, please contact Hilary McPartland, Innovation Officer, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund on 071-96 20450 or by e-mail at hilary@leitrimenterprise.ie.
