Opening of the Clare Local Enterprise Office in Ennis.

The Clare Local Enterprise Office office will have an important role to play in supporting all local stakeholders, including agencies, local authority and private sector, who have an interest in stimulating and maintaining local enterprise in Clare.

The Ennis office is one of 31 offices opened nationally, aimed at helping individuals who want to start or expand a business and create jobs in towns and villages.

Small and Medium size businesses are a key part of our economy particularly in towns and villages outside the main urban centres. Government shares this belief and the opening of the Clare Local Enterprise Office will bring together a better and more targeted service locally, which will give and develop key skills such as management, access to finance, marketing and planning.

The office will be a one-stop shop for supports and will also have the backing of Enterprise Ireland and other agencies. In this digital age, prospective employers and business people expect information and supports to be delivered in a way that is efficient and strategic and this office will do that in a coordinated and planned way.

The opening of the Local Enterprise Office in Ennis is a most positive development. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone associated with this office well and would encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from their supports to engage with the facility.