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18th June 2013 • Volume 20, Issue 22 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Balbriggan Makes A Determined Bid For Investment Thursday 6th June last may well prove to be a red letter day for Balbriggan, in terms of attracting companies to invest there. Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce hosted representatives of the IDA in the Bracken Court Hotel, where they made a presentation encompassing the working history of Balbriggan, demographics, infrastructure, available zoned lands and potential ‘property solutions’. Chamber President, Anthony Murphy thanked the Chamber’s Industrial committee of Chris Harmon, Kevin Tolan and Donogh McGowan for all their work in preparing for the meeting and believes that a strong professional working relationship has begun that will hopefully yield positive results for Balbriggan in the near future. A tour of the town followed the presentation and included visits to a selection of properties, which may provide accommodation for companies seeking suitable premises from which to operate. The
tour included a visit to the successful ‘Fumbally Exchange’ in Railway
By Patrick Finnegan continues to thrive in the heart of Balbriggan. The presentation and tour also showcased some of the ‘noncommercial ‘ aspects of Balbriggan, including the harbour and beach areas, as well as Balbriggan Golf Club and Ardgillan Park.
directly market the town of Balbriggan as a potential location for Foreign Direct Investment. “The IDA now have the necessary information to consider Balbriggan as a destination and home for potential future employers. A strong professional working relationship has been established
Pictured at the recent meeting between Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and the IDA at the Bracken Court Hotel are, Kevin Tolan (Manager, Balbriggan Chamber), Chris Harmon (Vice-President, Blabriggan Chamber), Anthony Murphy (President, Balbriggan Chamber), Breda O'Toole (IDA), Thomas McEvoy (IDA) and Donogh McGowan (Secretary, Balbriggan Chamber).
Street, demonstrating how a modern and innovative working hub has been established and
Murphy said that this was a hugely significant meeting and provided an opportunity to
between Balbriggan Chamber and the IDA, which will hopefully yield positive results for
Balbriggan in the near future,” he said. The Balbriggan visit followed an initial meeting between Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and the IDA which took place on 26th May last. “The fact that the IDA agreed to visit Balbriggan within two weeks of our first meeting speaks for itself. We were proud to showcase companies who have chosen to locate and continue to successfully operate in Balbriggan such as, Arvato-Sonopress, Bridgestone, Techcrete and of course, Wavin Pipes which has been synonymous with Balbriggan since 1962. The National Passport Office was also a good example of how a Government Department chose Balbriggan as a suitable location,” said Murphy. Balbriggan has experienced the fastest
New Road Train Can Boost Tourism In Malahide An exciting new road train has been launched in Malahide, that is expected to bring a welcome boost to tourism in the seaside town. The new train, called ‘Toots the Malahide Road Train’ is the brainchild of Holywell man, Michael Place. The launch, which took place on Friday last, 14th June attracted many schoolchildren and local onlookers. The excited children were treated to sweets and a free journey to mark the launch. Local councillor, Eoghan O’Brien was very upbeat about the new train service. He told the County Leader, “The train will operate from the village and the beach car park, up to Malahide
village, who would not otherwise come here. All in all, it has the potential to be a real boost for tourism in the area. It will operate on a similar basis as road trains in certain parts of Europe. There’s been a terrific reaction to it from children and adults alike,” he said. The name “Toots” came about as a result of a competition that owner, Pictured at the launch of 'Toots" the new Malahide Michael Place held in the local train service are Senator Darragh O'Brien, Cllr Eoghan schools. Children were invited to O'Brien, with conductor, Lauren Thompson and train come up with a name and a colour for driver and owner, Michael Place. the new train. The winner was invited Castle. It will provide a linkage between on a tour of the town with their classvisitors to the Castle and Avoca and mates and the project is expected to Malahide, bringing tourists to the have a very positive impact on Malahide.
Pictured at the official opening of the new Fire Station in Skerries is sub-officer, Dermot Maypotter, with his grandsons Joe and Liam. See story on page 3
percentage growth in population in Ireland between census 2006 and 2011. “People need education, healthcare and employment. The Department of Education have recognised this and ensured that the school chairs will be there for our children. The Department of Health has also recognised this and our new Primary Care Centre was recently granted planning permission. As a Chamber of Commerce, we need to ensure that the jobs are there for our population as they reach employment age so that they do not have to emigrate, or rely on social welfare and that they, like their parents and grandparents, can work in Balbriggan, provide for their family and feel pride in themselves and pride in their town.” “There is good reason why we entitled our presentation, ‘Balbriggan - A Working Town’ concluded Murphy.