Launch of the Meath Economic Development Strategy Roadmap

Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Tommy Reilly and Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne TD attended the official launch of the Meath Economic Development Strategy Roadmap this morning (Friday) at Buvinda House.

The purpose of the roadmap is to continue with the vision and focus identified in the Meath Economic Development Strategy 2014-2022 and to also ensure that those considering establishing or expanding their business within Meath, along with their potential workforce, see Meath as an ideal place to live, work and do business.

The logo for thre new strategy is "Meath - the place and space to thrive."

The strategy had identified a number of key focus areas and sectoral opportunities to expand the economic base of County Meath, particularly with investment in the food, knowledge and creative economies and attracting further Foreign Direct Investment, by marketing Meath to overseas and indigenous investors as a county willing to support and work in collaboration.

Launching the strategy Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said "The Meath Economic Development Strategy sets out very clear strategic priorities to deliver on economic growth and new jobs in the coming years. Firstly, supporting towns and villages to remain attractive to live, work and thrive, it is not just about business but creating a home for people. Secondly, that we continue to promote Meath, not just locally but internationally, that we support initiatives that enhance the quality of life and finally, that we continue to further coordinate and focus development on connectivity, digitalisation and smart initiatives."

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Tommy Reilly said "I will ensure that during my term as Cathaoirleach economic development will be my priority and the Council will prepare and adopt a new innovative Economic Development Strategy that will build on our successes to date. To deliver on this promise we are going to put together an Economic Development Forum that will be made up of business leaders and entrepreneurs and high achievers to oversee the preparation and implementation of this new strategy".

Director of Services for Economic Development Des Foley spoke of the Foreign Direct Investment that took place in the last ten years, including the arrival of global companies such as Facebook, Amazon and Merck Sharp and Dome,.

He said the tourism and hospitality sector was growing. "We are well know as the heritage capital of Ireland and for our festivals and we welcome the announcement of further investment in Emerald Park.

"The Puca festival attracted 36,000 people last year an we hope to grow that to 50,000. We had 80,000 people at Slane recently."

He said the council was rolling out public realm plans that would benefit the retail sector.

Mr Foley said they would be focusing on the agri food sector, innovation and creative sectors.

Meath County Council Chief Executive Fiona Lawless paid tribute to the work already done, ‘I would like to acknowledge the work of the elected members, the Strategic Policy Committee, the Planning and Economic Development teams, our Local Enterprise Office and Meath Enterprise staff on the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy to date. With their commitment to giving investors the support and services they need to conduct business in our county, we will continue the journey to being at the centre of cutting-edge innovation in the 21st Century and a great place to live, work and build a brighter future for our growing number of inhabitants."