The Regenerating Athy and Rhyl (RAR) project was launched recently with a networking event held at Kilkea Golf Club with over 100 guests in attendance, 21 of whom had travelled from Rhyl for the occasion.
Assembled guests heard Mayor of County Kildare, Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick, welcome the delegation from Rhyl. Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council, Cllr John Lawlor, noted the many advances that Athy had made recently, notably the recent announcement regarding decentralisation, the development of the Athy Community Enterprise Centre.
Athy based Project Coordinator, Dorian Marks said that the aim of the RAR Project is to build on these initiatives.
Guest Speaker at the launch was Mr. Pat O'Connor, Works Manager with Tegral Building Products Ltd. Mr. O'Connor suggested that the success of large businesses was greatly assisted by the availability of local small and medium sized enterprises that can provide goods and services of consistent quality and at a competitive cost.
Guests spent time networking with organisations from Wales and with other Irish based organisations. Mr Tom Hodgson, from Rhyl who is leading a drive to replicate the success of the Tidy Towns programme in Rhyl said “this has been an extremely worthwhile and informative event, we have a lot of positive ideas to take home and look forward to working with Athy Tidy Towns Committee in a future.” Gareth Evans, from Denbighshire County Council added, “This event has demonstrated significant support from business and community organisations in Athy.”
The principal aim of the project in Athy is to create employment opportunities for local people. Project staff have identified that by providing assistance for individuals and groups of people to become self employed or set up in business will fulfil this. Additionally, the project views the opportunities for existing businesses to create extra employment for local people through business expansion.
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| John Lawlor Cathaoirleach with Glyn Willaims, Mayor of Rhyl |
“We encourage people with business ideas and businesses seeking to expand to contact us” said Helen Tobin-Smith, Business Support Officer; “We will support them in developing their ideas and reaching their potential. One of the groups we are particularly interested in working with is the people involved in the craft industry, Athy has a lot of potential for growth in this area” added Ms Tobin Smith.
Project Officers are currently planning a return visit to Rhyl during April. Businesses interested in networking should contact the project offices at the Athy Training & Enterprise Centre at Woodstock Street or by phone at 059 8634758 . |
