Lark Bridal wins County Enterprise Award Council chief executive commends role of LEO

Underlining the importance of business and enterprise and the role of the county’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, paid tribute to the award winners at last week’s County Enterprise Awards in the Hodson Bay Hotel.

“Business is everything in Roscommon. Without it, we simply don’t have jobs. It’s been a difficult time for business with the different challenges that are out there, what with inflation, rising energy costs and the pandemic,” he said.

“LEO continues to provide direct supports to local businesses. We have our new Food Hub in Castlerea where five new production units are set to open. We also have our new Enterprise space in Boyle on the site of the former Royal Hotel”.

The Council Chief Executive said a meeting had taken place between the local authority and the IDA to discuss the future of the Royal Hotel site.

“Despite operating in a difficult business environment, the level of entrepreneurship in Roscommon has never been higher. The businesses being honoured here epitomise the qualities of innovation, resilience, creativity and ambition that are necessary to create employment and wealth for our communities across the county,” he said.

“These are exciting times for business and enterprise in our county. Later this year our Monksland Innovation Hub ‘landing space’ will be complete. Just last week, we awarded our contract to the new service provider there”.

Mr Tiernan said LEO continues to offer support for local businesses with significant funding awarded to 25 companies last year and a further 863 clients receiving support. He paid tribute to everyone who works in LEO.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who presented the awards along with Mr. Tiernan, said the County Enterprise Awards were one of the local authority’s headline events.

“Small businesses generate considerable local employment. The challenges of the pandemic and the economy are well known. But it’s a great tribute to our businesses, particularly those being honoured today, who continue to grow. They have shown ambition and creativity to make things happen,” he commented. Speaking on behalf of LEO, Enda to the at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from to

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Ambition & Growth Award Winner Mark Lohan, and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin recent Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards at Hodson Bay Hotel were (from to right): Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Roscommon County Enterprise Overall Winner Ruth Larkin, and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Now in their 24th year, this year’s Roscommon County Enterprise Awards honoured a wide range of small to medium sized businesses which are flourishing in the county at present.

The winner of the Start-up Award was 27-year-old Athleague woman Lydia Clayton, who is a Goldsmith who creates exquisitely designed and crafted jewellery from her studios. A graduate

Free sustainability masterclass

of the National College of Arts and Design, Lydia did a portfolio course with Stephanie Cullen.

The Digital Journey Award winner was Castlecoote Style Advisor Maria Carton. She set up her business in 2019 and provides services in wardrobe makeovers, personal shopping and fashion masterclasses. She also collaborates with the Department of Education in

Local businesses are invited to join the Climate Ready Academy for a free masterclass with global sustainablity expert Owen Gaffney on Thursday, March 23rd

The masterclass will address how local Roscommon businesses can positively impact the environment and sustainability targets while maintaining growth.

For more information or to register for the event, go to https://www.climatereadyacademy. ie/masterclasses.

Local businesses warned about St Patrick’s weekend security

Roscommon businesses have been warned that security breaches can increase by up to 30 per cent over Bank Holidays prior to St Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend.

Security specialists Netwatch say they have seen a 16 per cent increase in attempted security breaches so far this year and anticipate this figure to double this weekend.

Industries where materials and assets on-site are of high value will be of particular interest to criminals and Netwatch is urging these businesses to be aware of the potential risks to their premises when closed.

The most common timings for attempted local schools in Roscommon and East Galway on sustainable fashion.

Receiving her award from the LeasCathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Maria said it was “an honour” to be recognised.

There was also recognition for Sheegorey, Boyle-based company Reap Interactive, who won the Innovation

Bay Hotel

Local Enterprise Awards

Gillian McGarry, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Aileen Clifford, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, Enda Cannon, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office, and Eilis Mullooly, Roscommon Local Enterprise Office. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin