Strandhill seeks to become an enterprise town

STRANDHILL was visited by three judges last week on behalf of Bank of Ireland Enterprising towns. The Three judges were given a presentation by the Local Development Association secretary David McCoy.

The judges were also given a presentation by Cllr Sinead Maguire, Voya Seaweed Baths co-founder Neil Walton and by Enterprise Centre Chairman Peter Henry. The event was chaired by John Bartlett of Strandhill Community Development Association. The Judges were former Meath County Manager Tom Dowling, former Wicklow and Roscommon county manager John Sheehy and Pat Byrne from Bank of Ireland.

The judges were informed that over 220 businesses are registered in Strandhill employing in excess of 800 people in high season. Following on from the presentations in the enterprise centre the judges were then shown the base of the North-West Coast Guard by Joe Corcoran Manager of Sligo Airport, the airport hanger in which the Strandhill Peoples Market is held and finally the airport foyer. Inside the airport foyer were an array of all the businesses in Strandhill under the titles: Eat, Play, Chill, Stay and a stall, Made in Strandhill – some of the best of the local talent which manufactures in Strandhill such as artists, Breeogue pottery and many others.

Mr Bartlett said that “to have in excess of 800 people employed in such a small area is a testament to the wonderful ‘can-do’ spirit in the village – it is also amazing that 60% of all registered businesses – were founded since the recession – it is a great story and an easy story to tell as it was the truth we were telling.”

David McCoy who gave the opening presentation said: “To put the best of Strandhill on show was an easy task – as all the businesses in the village were out to support us – it was a pleasure to be involved and fingers crossed for the final judging in November. It would mean a huge amount to the village.”

Cllr Sinead Maguire outlined areas where the County Council has worked with local enterprises: “The co-operation between the local community and the County Council is a key in making an enterprising town work and this was acknowledged by the judges as a positive development and not altogether frequent development. We are hopeful that the combined efforts made will bring a positive outcome for Strandhill village acknowledging it as one of Ireland’s leading enterprise towns.”

The overall winner will be awarded total prize money of €23,000, a trophy and the prestigious title of Bank of Ireland’s National Enterprising Town 2017 and will be announced in November.