Leading local and national business people were invited today (Friday) to join in the drive for further economic development and job creation in County Wicklow.
As part of its ongoing commitment to economic development, Wicklow County Council hosted the 2019 Breakfast Briefing attended by key County Wicklow business stakeholders.
The theme of this year’s event – held in the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort was: “Making Wicklow Great for Business.”
Business stakeholders suggested ways how Wicklow County Council can, through collaboration and engagement with the business community and state agencies, drive economic activity in the County and increase job opportunities.
In a keynote address, Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Mr Frank Curran, detailed the Economic Update and Future Strategic Plans of the Council. He also highlighted the major strategic infrastructure projects underway or planned by the Council for 2019, including:
- Upgrading of the N11/M11
- Arklow Sewerage Scheme
- Bray Public Transport Bridge
- Arklow Historic Quarter and Fitzwilliam Square
- New public library in Wicklow town.
He also outlined the progress made on the issues raised at last year’s event.
In his address, Mr Frank Curran, said; “I believe that County Wicklow’s strategic location, with easy access to Dublin Airport, Dublin, Wicklow and Rosslare Ports; its skilled workforce and transport links places the county in a strong position to attract industry and enterprise opportunities’”.
Referring to the results of the recent Commuter Survey, he said this showed that 70 per cent of people would consider taking an equivalent job in County Wicklow in order to reduce their commute time while one-third of which would do so even if it meant a lower salary,
This, stated Mr Curran, demonstrated that County Wicklow has a highly skilled and educated workforce which was a valuable resource for a potential business looking to locate in Wicklow adding that this information will be used by as a marketing tool for to attract business to the county.
The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Vance stated: “We are delighted with the level of engagement today. It’s all about building relationships and we can tap into huge potential by working together.”
He said that it was clear from the morning’s briefing that the business community is extremely interested in working with Wicklow County Council to enhance business opportunities. He was delighted with the turnout and expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders from the various sectors for contributing to the event.
The briefing also heard from Dr Barry McCleary, CEO, Megazyme, who described the company’s development, its successes and challenges since relocating the business to the Southern Cross Business Park, Bray in 1996 from Sydney, Australia. He also talked about the range of products developed by Megazyme.
The Breakfast Briefing concluded with some final thoughts and commitments by the Wicklow County Council Chief Executive following a Question and Answer session and contributions submitted by participants.
MC for the event was Mr John Ryan, CEO of Great Place to Work.
