Leitrim focus for LookWest.ie Enterprise Campaign

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The Western Development Commission’s (WDC), LookWest.ie advertising and publicity campaign is, this week, focussing on Leitrim.  In partnership with Leitrim County Council, the campaign will aim to attract enterprises and individuals to County Leitrim.  It will target business owners in the Greater Dublin Area, the rest of the country and the Irish communities abroad, as well as encouraging Leitrim people to promote the county to friends and family who live away.

The Leitrim business featuring in the advertising campaign is Merenda Ltd which designs and manufactures wood veneer products for furniture and interiors.  The business is owned and run by the Haslette family and is now under the management of Ronan Haslette who left his job in Dublin to come back to Leitrim and take over the management reins of the business.  The company now employs 26 staff in Manorhamilton and Ronan feels that their location in Leitrim offers great quality of life, excellent access and good supports for businesses. 

The overall LookWest.ie campaign, focuses on a different local authority area over a seven-week period, and was launched by Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Gillian Buckley, CEO of the WDC.  Ms Buckley said, “The focus of the LookWest.ie campaign this year is on enterprise and entrepreneurs by highlighting some of the many successful companies who have decided to locate in the region, attracted by the availability of a highly skilled workforce and a truly attractive business environment.

Leitrim County Manager Jackie Maguire said; “Leitrim offers exciting opportunities for business.  We have a ‘can do’ approach to fostering and encouraging business and we enjoy an unequalled quality of life.  As a Local Authority, we’ve received tremendous support from local industry and business as well as our national network of Leitrim business people.  Leitrim offers beautiful coastal and Lakeland scenery, good value in housing, quality childcare, excellent schools and no traffic congestion.  Three third-level colleges deliver courses into the county, our workforce continues to attract young, skilled people and – in addition – research and development options are available.

“Leitrim County Council and other development agencies provide a tailored solution to companies and investors, with a co-ordinated ‘one stop shop’ approach”, said Ms. Maguire.

Ian Brannigan, Development Manager at the WDC says that one of the real drivers for this year’s LookWest.ie 2008 campaign has been the increasing evidence that people are more than ever valuing quality of life as a determinant for where they live and work.  “Our research shows that the Western region has this in spades; 67% of businesses surveyed stated that the Western Region had a better work life balance.”

He added, “This week the focus is on Leitrim and we will showcase a different area each week for the duration of the campaign.  The types of highly skilled sustainable businesses showcased typify the innate dynamism of the West and demonstrate how the region is adapting to global demands.”

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