 Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy recently turned the first sod on the site of the Athy Community Enterprise Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony Minister McCreevy said, “The opening of this centre provides an opportunity to look forward for Athy and its hinterland. There is a need to promote a positive, optimistic and ‘can-do' attitude. Business listens to what communities say about themselves, good or bad. Athy will develop because you convince others what a wonderful place you have made it, to live and do business in. Business, community and civic leaders have a key role to play here. You need to repeat the message that things can be done by yourselves.”
The Centre, located at the IDA Industrial Estate on the Kilkenny Road, will take approximately 6 months to complete. Once completed it eight office units will be available, along with four 1,200 sq ft and eight 600 sq ft workshop spaces.
In order to see the project completed it was necessary to form a Company to manage and administer the project, In addition to this, the Athy Community Enterprise Company Limited is borrowing €475,000 to match the €500,000 in grant support and €100,000 that is being raised from community resources.
The Enterprise Centre will complement the Regenerating Athy and Rhyl Project by providing safe clean and modern premises for new and emerging businesses to locate.
Individuals with business ideas and existing businesses wishing to expand can contact Dorian Marks at the RAR Project offices at 059 8634758 for information regarding the Athy Community Enterprise Centre. |
