CLARE cllrs had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the unveiling of the Draft Local Enterprise Plan 2026-2028 at a recent meeting at council headquarters.
Elected representatives from across the county expressed enthusiasm for the future plans of Clare’s LEO as well as its plans for the near future.
Acting as chair of the meeting, Ennis representative cllr. Pat Daly (FF) remarked that “If anyone didn’t know anything about the local enterprise office 20 minutes ago, they know it now anyway”, following the conclusion of a detailed presentation by Theresa Mulvihill Kileen.
Cllr. Tom O’Callaghan (FF) also noted the wealth of information provided by the presentation, saying it was “A big mouthful, there’s no point denying”.
The county town representative praised the work of the LEO from 2021 to 2025, noting that he is a small business owner himself and the dangers of acquiring tunnel vision.
“There’s no doubt about it, the private sector is really struggling at the minute. Your help is needed now more than ever. There are many small farmers out there at the minute who are really struggling. I am big into the idea of remote working and I see that you support that”, he added.
Continuing with the agricultural theme, former Mayor of Clare cllr. Michael Begley (IND) questioned Mrs. Mulvihill Kileen as to whether there was “anything in the LEO that would support young farmers who have no land, no cattle, nothing?” and wished to expand further into the farming industry.
The Senior Development Officer responded that “The initial piece we can have with him is a meeting and we can assign mentors then around scoping out that idea. A business needs to be looked at through commercial eyes.
The sole Kilrush LEA representative in attendance, cllr. Michael Shannon (FF) praised the work of Clare’s LEO thus far but stressed the importance of communicating the services available to businesses effectively.
“Businesses out there at the minute are going through a tough period because of high energy and wages and all the costs associated with running the business. It’s about how we can communicate that better going forward. You’re doing fantastic work as regards with concept, it’s just about connecting that with people who need ye”, the Quily native explained.
Mrs. Mulvihill Kileen acknowledged the West Clare cllr’s concerns, stating that “It’s about saying it. We have a strong presence on social media. I have to be honest cllr Shannon It never phases me when someone says “I didn’t know you were here””.
Director of Planning, Economic, Rural and Community Development, Jason Murphy, highlighted “Where rubber hits road is key from our perspective”.
“Understanding our economic environment and our communities is mission critical from our perspective. We talk about multinationals all the time, we talk about our airport, these are all absolutely mission critical and you’ve hit that really well today”, the director added, in reference to plans unveiled by Mrs. Mulvihill Kileen to hold a “Global aerospace trade event in collaboration with Limerick city and council for the Midwest in 2027”.
