I am aware of the initiative launched by my colleague Minister Brian Hayes on November 29, 2013. Local initiatives can play a central role in alleviating unemployment and supporting entrepreneurship. This voluntary initiative is a prime example of how communities can work together to support business development and job creation.
The regionally based Enterprise Ireland team are aware of the initiative and have had discussions with Athlone Community Task Force. Where companies fall within the legislative remit of Enterprise Ireland the agency stands ready to assist.
I understand that Westmeath County Enterprise Board (CEB) also actively promotes the OiM Initiative. The CEO of Westmeath CEB has met with the Committee, the Chair of the Evaluation Committee and the Coordinator of OiM on separate occasions and has agreed to meet the Committee again to explore options to promote the initiative.
The Government is fully committed to supporting local business development initiatives such as OiM and, in particular through the local County Enterprise Board, can provide advice, training, mentoring and in some instances, financial support to business ideas that might evolve through OiM. I would urge the promoters of the initiative to continue to work closely with Westmeath CEB.
