Positive approach is vital to driving Wexford’s recovery
THE Director of the Ireland South East Development Office says that despite the obvious crisis the Wexford economy finds itself in, a clear pathway to a recovery exists, provided all stakeholders focus on solutions and work together constructively.
Speaking to this newspaper, Alan Quirke from Enniscorthy, who heads up the South East Development Office, a bottom-up initiative of the County Councils of the South East, was keen to highlight the positive developments that have grown out of this temporary crisis.
‘Undoubtedly, Wexford and the South East are exposed to the Covid-19 recession. That makes the need to engage constructively on solutions which can support local businesses and people all the more essential,’ said Alan.
‘It is clear a number of businesses will not reopen and people will lose their jobs, bringing huge costs for individuals and their families.
‘However, there have been some positive developments. Enniscorthy company Taoglas is leading the way in social distancing technology. Wexford company, Scurri has recently been voted in the top 50 retail tech start-ups globally. The South East was ranked in the Top 10 of Europe’s smaller regions for foreign investors by the Financial Times.’
Opportunities will also exist as the Covid-19 crisis abates, such as a shift to working from home and the green economy.
‘Notwithstanding the serious challenges, there will also be opportunities. The shift to working from home can be hugely significant for places with a great quality of life like Wexford,’ said Alan.
‘The green economy will be a key growth area and the recent news of Dutch company XELLZ choosing Rosslare as an offshore wind energy base is very positive.
‘Education and training will be central to the recovery and the delivery of a Technological University for the South East with a significant Wexford presence, is essential to building more resilience in Wexford and the region.
‘A key positive in the current economic uncertainty has been the way local actors have mobilised so quickly. The Local Enterprise Office is working hard to support Wexford companies trade online. Wexford Chamber has recently launched its Reviving Wexford initiative to support local companies,’ he said.
Some of the most respected industry leaders in the county will also be joining forces to drive Wexford’s response to the crisis.
‘At the regional level, the South East Development Office is also commencing work with senior industry leaders to drive the response for Wexford and the South East. Top class professionals from Wexford such as Liam Griffin of the Griffin Group, Rory O’Connor of Scurri, Ed Murphy of Invest Wexford and Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, are giving up their time to lead this,’ said Alan.
‘A key element in delivering solutions will be government support and action. The importance of our political representatives working collectively to drive change for Wexford has never been more important. The challenges are undoubtedly huge but the current situation is temporary. It is vital now that all stakeholders focus on solutions and work together constructively in order to navigate a way out of the challenges that lie ahead.’ Alan Quirke is Director of the
Ireland South East Development Office - a bottom-up, local authority initiative of the councils of the 5 counties in the South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford). More information at www. irelandsoutheast.com