Colm O’Rourke to Chair Meath Economic Development Forum

Meath County Council is pleased to announce that Meath GAA Football Manager Colm O’Rourke has been appointed as Chairperson of Meath Economic Development Forum.

The aim of the Economic Development Forum is to build on and increase collaboration within the county to maximise its assets, attract further investment and create additional jobs and opportunities.

TheForumwillcomprise of business leaders, entrepreneurs and high achievers who will share their experience to facilitate economic activity and growthinthecountywhile overseeing the preparation and implementation of the new Meath Economic Development Strategy.

Colm O’Rourke stated that he is delighted to be invited to Chair the new Forum and looks forward to working in collaboration with like-minded in- dividuals who will invest their energy and time in addressing key challenges and identifying new job

New Theatre in Trim to be named Swift Cultural Centre

“The Aim Of The Economic Development Forum Is To Build On And Increase Collaboration Within The County” opportunities with a view to increasing prosperity and the quality of life for allthecitizensofMeath.

In welcoming Colm O’Rourke’s appointment by the Council’s Corporate Policy Group, Fiona Lawless,ChiefExecutivestated that the Meath Economic Development Roadmap has identified a number of key focus areas and sectoral opportunities for attracting new investment, sustaining existing indigenous business and enterprise and ensuring the long term and sustainable growthofthecounty.

Membership of the Forum will be announced prior to the first meeting which is due to take place inSeptember.

Solstice Arts Centre will be undertaking the management duties of the new Theatre at Trim on behalf ofMeathCountyCouncil.

The Theatre in Trim will operate under its own name, Swift Cultural Centre, reflecting both the importance of the acclaimed author of “Gulliver Travels” and Trim resident, Jonathon Swift (16671745), as well as and the significance of the swift to Trim’s wildlife and urban ecosystem.

SwiftCulturalCentrewill collaborate and share meeting rooms and cultural spaces with Trim Library to provide a diverse and enriching community learning, engagement and performance programme for the public. Community use by the talented local artists, societies and community groups remain the primary and core value of thespace.

StaffatSolsticeArtsCentre have accumulated knowledge and expertise that will ensure Swift Cultural Centre will run to its best potential. Belinda Quirke,DirectorofSolstice Arts Centre will meet with local community and performing groups in Trim in thecomingweeks.

Trim Library and Swift Cultural Centre was recently opened by Minister Heather Humphreys. The €9m development includes refurbishment of the former St. Patrick’s Chapel for use as part of the Centre and will provide additional facilities for the library including new reception, study and multipurpose rooms and supportservices.

A performance space with seating capacity for up to 235 people, including stage, scene dock meeting/changing rooms and rehearsal spaces provides a resource long sought by a number of active local drama, music andtheatregroups.