The West’s Natural Attractions are Winners throughout the Region

The Western Development Commission’s (WDC) campaign to find the “7 Wonders of the West” has come to a close with over 1,800 votes cast by members of the public. The winning ‘Wonders’ are; Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, Surfing in Strandhill in Sligo, Croagh Patrick (The Reek) in Mayo, Glencar Waterfall in Leitrim, Strokestown House in Roscommon, Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands in Galway and The Cliffs of Moher in Clare.

Speaking about the campaign, Joanne Grehan, WDC Regional Development Executive said, “When we launched this campaign in November, we knew it would capture peoples’ imagination but we were completely overwhelmed by the passion it has evoked in so many voters. Based on nominations received during November, we shortlisted the top seven ‘Wonders’ in each of the seven counties and called on members of the public to vote for their favourite in each county.

“It must have been an extremely difficult choice because the shortlist included so many iconic sites, stunning landscapes, festivals, events and a number of unique experiences that make our region really special. I would like to pay a special tribute to all of those shortlisted because they all add tremendously to our lives in the Western Region. Notwithstanding the challenge of selecting from that shortlist, the voters came out in force and predominantly chose the region’s natural attractions which topped the leader board for most of the voting process”, she added.

The campaign to find the Western Region’s unique ‘Wonders’ was hosted and promoted via LookWest.ie, the WDC’s online guide to living and working in the Western Region. LookWest.ie is a one stop shop for people and businesses thinking about relocating to the Western region. It is used by over 21,000 people every month and can now be accessed in Irish.

“We knew LookWest.ie was an obvious vehicle for this campaign because of the relationships we have developed with visitors to the site in recent years”, said Ms Grehan. “Our work in the WDC is focused on promoting the benefits and economic advantages of the West of Ireland and through the ‘7 Wonders’ campaign, the public has underlined the quality of life we all enjoy in this Region. Over the past two months, voters have commended us on the ‘7 Wonders’ idea which has now resulted in a fantastic list of great things to see and do in the Western Region”.

Donal Healy, Sales and Marketing Manager, Ireland West Airport Knock said: ‘The Airport was delighted to be involved with the ‘7 Wonders of the West’ campaign. The West of Ireland really has some truly wonderful sights and attractions which to many remain undiscovered and unseen and this campaign helps to highlight the many wonderful attractions that the West of Ireland has to offer’.

Everybody who voted for their favourite ‘Wonder’ from the shortlist was entered into a draw for two special prizes and Teresa Kennedy has won an Apple iPad while Vinny Melvin has won two return tickets to the UK courtesy of bmibaby.com in association with Ireland West Airport.

“As the year draws to a close, we are absolutely delighted to celebrate the ‘7 Wonders of the West’. This has been a difficult year for many, but this campaign reminds us about the many strengths that make our Region special and we look forward to making the most of these ‘Wonders’ in the year ahead.

“We would like to thank our partners who supported this campaign; Kennys.ie – Galway’s world-famous bookshop which celebrates 70 years in business this year, bmibaby.com and Ireland West Airport Knock and the Sligo-based online poll and survey provider PollDaddy for hosting the vote. But most especially, we would like to thank the thousands of people who voted for their ‘7 Wonders of the West” and we wish everybody a very Merry Christmas, concluded Ms Grehan.

Stock photographs of the winning ‘Wonders’ can be downloaded from the following link. http://bit.ly/7WondersGallery

For further information please contact:

Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
Or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

Continued Focus on Infrastructure, Innovation and Growth Sectors Required to Drive that Growth

The Western Region is well placed to achieve strong future growth, thanks to the investments of recent years and its educated and skilled workforce. In order to optimise that potential, not only for the good of the region but for national growth and recovery, continued improvements in infrastructure, innovation and the ‘3Es’ (enterprise, employment and education) are vital.

This assertion comes in a new Western Development Commission (WDC) Policy Briefing, ‘How is the Western Region doing? Measuring regional development’, which shows that although the Western Region experienced an overall improvement in its level of development during the boom years it continued to lag the rest of the state in critical areas such as income, poverty and labour force participation.

Gillian Buckley, Acting Chief Executive and Investment Manager of the WDC said: “We wanted to look at how the recession has impacted on the region and how this compared with other parts of the country. But more importantly we wanted to examine how the region is positioned for future growth, specifically in those critical areas that will unlock its growth potential.”

The Briefing reiterates that infrastructure is a fundamental building block for regional development. Despite very substantial improvements in the past decade the Western Region continues to lag the rest of the state. The region is well below the EU average in terms of its accessibility and broadband services are a continuing constraint for individuals and enterprises.

On employment, the figures show that rising unemployment since 2007 has been quite concentrated in construction, agriculture and industry. However, over the same period employment grew in some sectors, notably information and communications services, with 3,400 more people working in the sector in 2010 than 2007.

“Further diversification of the employment base and expansion of the knowledge economy are key to the region’s and country’s economic future. Our interpretation is that although knowledge sector employment is currently lower in the region, there is real potential for expansion. The region’s quality of life makes it attractive for knowledge and creative workers; ensuring they have the facilities and services they need to work successfully from here must here be a priority” according to Pauline White, WDC Policy Analyst.

Tourism and hospitality continue to play a big role, with the Western Region employing 1 in 5 of all those working in the sector in Ireland. “Efforts to drive increasing tourist numbers into Ireland must include highlighting the region’s many tourism assets. Any increase in visitors here will create jobs and that’s the top priority at the moment” continued Ms White.

One area of real concern arising from the data is the fact that the West and Border regions have the second and third highest consistent poverty rates in the country. In the case of the West, its share in consistent poverty rose from being well below the national average in 2007 to now being above the average.

A region’s human resource is recognised internationally as its key asset. The data show considerable improvements in the Western Region. Coming from a position of lagging the national average, the share with a third level qualification in the region is now about the same as the national average. 

“One worrying aspect of this however is the gender gap, with women faring better than men. Young male early school leavers are facing a ‘triple-whammy’ in terms of their risk of unemployment because of age, gender, and education. However the recession has meant that more males are choosing to stay on or return to education. This will have positive long term impacts, both for themselves and the region”, said Ms White.

A recent decline in the region’s younger aged population shows however that some young people are choosing to leave the region. “The region’s people are its greatest asset. During the boom the region’s ‘brain drain’ was reversed, but it now seems to be returning. The Western Region’s main priority for the future must be to provide the employment, education and enterprise opportunities needed to encourage our young people to stay. Our future prospects depend on it” concluded Ms. Buckley.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Pauline White, Western Development Commission, 086 832 8055
or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

RASLRES – WOOD ENERGY SUPPORT SERVICES, THE STORY SO FAR…

MCWILLIAM PARK HOTEL, CLAREMORRIS, CO. MAYO

16TH NOVEMBER, 2010

10.00 – 14.30

On 16th November 2010 the RASLRES team will facilitate an open industry workshop to bring together experts in the wood energy field, showcase the success to date of companies and individuals participating in the RASLRES pilot projects and provide information and learning to those who have an interest in being part of the wood energy community.

The workshop is aimed at individuals and organisations at any point along the wood energy supply chain, from fuel producers and processors to boiler installations by heat energy users. This workshop provides the opportunity for participants to gain knowledge and share learning through presentations by industry experts and facilitated workshops on topics including:

• Forestry Fuel Resources in the Western Region, Paddy Donovan, DARE Ltd
• Potential of Energy Crops – National Bioenergy GIS, Mike Wilson, SEAI
• Industrial Wood Fuel Boilers, Tom Bruton, BioXL Ltd, President Irish Bioenergy Association
•  Wood Energy Procurement for the Public Sector, Steve Luker, Steve Luker and Associates
• Case Study – Teagasc Athenry Campus, Fred Tottenham, Navitus Ltd
• Experience in the NI Wood Energy Market, Michael Doran, Action Renewables

Those attending will be further engaged in active dialogue and debate through facilitated breakout sessions on the following topics:

•  A. Woodchip fuel supply chain
•  B. Commercial scale wood energy: Planning and Procurement
•  C. Small scale systems and log boilers

ABOUT RASLRES

RASLRES is a European bio-energy project led by the Western Development Commission. RASLRES goes to the heart of the local community by using local resources and local people to provide a complete solution for renewable energy in turn providing jobs and opportunities for our communities.

This ground-breaking initiative has already delivered 7 pilot projects in the west from Donegal to Clare which provide the starting point for development of a sustainable wood energy supply chain delivered within the local region.

For further information relating to the event, speaker biographies and additional information on the RASLRES Project visit www.raslres.eu

REGISTRATION

The fee for the event is covered as part of the RASLRES project but Registration is essential as numbers are limited.

R.S.V.P. Mitchell O’Gorman, info@raslres.eu  or contact Bernadette Phelan, RASLRES team at the WDC on +353 (086) 8340279.

How to unlock the economic potential of the Western Region

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Employment, Trade and Innovation that an integrated approach to economic development in the West is vital if the region is to reach its potential. The presentation took place today, Tuesday October 5th.

“The West needs infrastructural and human capital investment if it is to successfully facilitate innovation and build on its key assets and strengths. We also need recognition at national level that the Western Region offers untapped potential to contribute significantly towards national economic recovery”, said Gillian Buckley, Acting CEO of the WDC.

The Committee heard that the key challenges facing the Western Region are the decline in construction and construction related jobs, the return of the brain drain and the growing need for education and training.

“These challenges are significant. However, there are also real opportunities for growth in the western economy”, stated Ms Buckley. “The WDC, in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations works to bring those opportunities to fruition by developing coherent regional responses to the needs of the West at strategic and operational levels.”

Highlighting some of the growth opportunities, Ms Buckley referred to the green and creative economies. “Development of the renewable energy sector offers employment opportunities for former construction workers who have many of the skills required to work in the green sector”, she said. “Our research tells us that the creative sector already employs 11,000 in the region and also offers the potential for 2,000 additional jobs. The creative sector represents a particularly attractive opportunity as it drives innovation in the wider economy”, she added.

“The challenge to optimising opportunities within these indigenous sectors is to ensure that the education and training needs of job seekers are closely aligned to the employment and enterprise opportunities in the Western Region. The Region’s most important asset is its people and because of the economic downturn, it is more critical than ever that we continue to invest in our human capital”, she told the Committee.

Ms Buckley also spoke of the importance of venture capital (VC) to Ireland’s economic recovery as highlighted in the Government’s ‘Building Ireland’s Smart Economy Framework’. She said: “Access to finance is a major issue for Western SMEs with the Western Region receiving less than 10% of private sector VC funds. The WDC’s Western Investment Fund (WIF) addresses this market failure and to date has invested €36 million in 87 enterprises. This investment has leveraged an additional €130 million in private funding and has a job creation potential of 2,500 jobs.”

In 2010, exchequer funding for the WIF was significantly reduced and Ms Buckley reiterated the need to re-instate the budget to nurture enterprise development and jobs in the Western Economy.

The WDC also outlined the importance of sustained innovation as a core long term driver of economic growth. “Irish Innovation policy must support the broad concept of innovation which relates not only to new or improved products and processes but also to new ways of thinking, new marketing methodology and new forms of business organisation. Supporting and driving innovation in the assets and strengths of the Region will make a significant contribution to achieving national innovation objectives”, explained Ms Buckley.

Ms Buckley referred to OECD research which shows that if public policy supports the conditions for growth, regional economies can flourish. She advised that despite the current economic climate, investment in infrastructure and innovation and the ‘3Es’ of enterprise, employment and education must be maintained to drive regional and national growth.

Ms Buckley concluded: “An important objective of the WDC is to advance the Government’s policy of balanced regional development by providing a regional perspective on national policy. Having the opportunity to speak directly to the Joint Oireachtas Committee was a welcome opportunity to do that.”

Ends

For further information please contact:
Gillian Buckley, Acting CEO, Western Development Commission, 087 223 6982
or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

Inside Creativity: Education – Innovation – Economy – Society

Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will officially open the 2010 Conference, which will highlight the role of Creativity in Education, Innovation, Economy, and Society.

Presented by Roscommon County Council Arts Office in association with the Western Development Commission (WDC), this is the second in a series of three Douglas Hyde Conferences focused on the Creative Sector. Last year the two organisations reshaped the Conference as a platform for research into the Creative Sector with a view to having the research findings impact on policy and programmes at local, regional and national levels.

Frank Dawson, Roscommon County Manager said, “This is a sector which has huge development potential in both rural and urban contexts and which impacts positively on all aspects of our society, and our economy. For the 2010 Conference, we have brought together academics, artists, politicians, commentators and public bodies to examine four distinct roles of creativity in society and the Creative Sector. Together with these experts, we look forward to discussing the opportunities for our region and to gaining a comprehensive insight into the value of creativity so that we can fully develop its role in our future.”

Lisa McAllister Chief Executive of the WDC added, “Creativity has long been associated with the Western Region. The 2008 WDC study ‘Creative West: The Creative Sector in the Western Region’ identified 4,779 creative businesses operating in the Western Region directly employing over 11,000 people and generating an annual turnover of €534m. This contributes €270m to the Gross Value Added of the regional economy. It is therefore a major economic contributor to the Region and we believe it can be grown significantly, even in these difficult economic times.”

The Conference will be chaired by poet and broadcaster, Theo Dorgan and centres on four keynote addresses and panel discussions.

• Dubbed ‘the official statistician of the creative class’ and bringing his unique expertise and insights, Kevin Stolarick, Director of Research at Richard Florida’s Martin Prosperity Institute in Toronto looks at the role of the creative sector and the direct and indirect economic impacts of creativity on other sectors such as industrial innovation, tourism and Foreign Direct Investment. Kevin is joined by Paul Young, CEO, Cartoon Saloon and Visual Artist Sarah Browne.
• Joe Hallgarten, Programmes Director with Creativity, Culture and Education, UK discusses how creativity in schools and universities, the quality of teaching and the curriculum provided, all affect the way young people’s skills develop, and whether they have the skills they will need for living and working throughout their lives. Also on the Education panel are Ned Costello, CEO, Association of Irish Universities and Member of the National Innovation Taskforce and Martin Drury, Arts Director with The Arts Council and founder of The Ark.
•  Arantxa Mendiharat, Director, Conexiones Improbables in Bilbao, Spain will be joined by Michael John Gorman, Director of The Science Gallery and Justin Knecht from the Centre for Design Innovation in Sligo. Mendiharat is recognised internationally for her innovative approach to applying creativity to industrial, social and research areas.
• Concluding the presentations Michael D. Higgins T.D. will be joined by Tania Banotti, Theatre Forum and Dermot McLaughlin, Temple Bar Cultural Trust looking at how creativity ultimately permeates all aspects of society, and how society as a whole benefits from its development.

Speaking about the Creative Sector theme, Frank Dawson said, “As the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation drew to a close, the European Commission invited member states to foster the potential of policy to promote the Creative Sector and to nurture creativity and innovation by recognising creative talent, rewarding excellence and disseminating innovative works. In response to that invitation, for these three years, the Douglas Hyde Conference will be a platform for continued research into creativity and innovation”.

“The WDC is working to promote and position the Western Region as Ireland’s hub for the Creative Sector because we know that based on international comparisons the Western Region has the potential to create an extra 2,000 jobs in the Creative Sector. We are delighted to partner once again with Roscommon County Council Arts Office to highlight the many opportunities associated with the Creative Sector, which has strong growth potential, generates high quality employment, facilitates innovation in other sectors, plays a key social role and can stimulate rural and regional development”, concluded Lisa McAllister.

This year, most of the conference will take place on Friday 15th October. On Saturday 16th, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Douglas Hyde, a special service and commemoration will take place at his graveside at the nearby Douglas Hyde Centre. This will be followed by a lecture by Dr. Roy Johnston on the life and work of the painter Roderic O’Conor, who was also born 150 years ago, near Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon, five miles from Hyde’s birthplace.

For booking and further information on the conference including biographies of speakers, please see www.roscommonarts.com/hyde

The 2010 Douglas Hyde Conference takes place on 15th October in the Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will officially open the Conference, which will highlight the role of Creativity in Education, Innovation, Economy, and Society.

Presented by Roscommon County Council Arts Office in association with the Western Development Commission (WDC), this is the second of three Douglas Hyde Conferences focused on the Creative Sector. Last year the two organisations reshaped the Conference as a platform for research into the Creative Sector with a view to having the research findings impact on policy and programmes at local, regional and national levels.

Frank Dawson, Roscommon County Manager said, “This is a sector which has huge development potential in both rural and urban contexts and which impacts positively on all aspects of our society, and our economy. For the 2010 Conference, we have brought together artists, academics, politicians, commentators and public bodies to examine four distinct roles of creativity in society and the Creative Sector. Together with these experts, we look forward to discussing the opportunities for our Region and to gaining a comprehensive insight into the value creativity brings to society so that we can fully develop its role in our future.”

Lisa McAllister Chief Executive of the WDC added, “Creativity has long been associated with the Western Region. The 2008 WDC study ‘Creative West: The Creative Sector in the Western Region’ identified 4,779 creative businesses operating in the Western Region directly employing over 11,000 people and generating an annual turnover of €534m. This contributes €270m to the Gross Value Added of the regional economy. It is therefore a major economic contributor to the Region and we believe it can be grown significantly, even in these difficult economic times.”

The Conference will be chaired by poet and broadcaster, Theo Dorgan and centres on four keynote addresses followed by panel discussions.

•  Bringing his unique expertise and insights, Kevin Stolarick, Director of Research at Richard Florida’s Martin Prosperity Institute in Toronto looks at the role of the creative sector and the direct and indirect economic impacts of creativity on other sectors such as industrial innovation, tourism and Foreign Direct Investment. Kevin is joined by Paul Young, CEO, Cartoon Saloon and Visual Artist Sarah Browne.
•  Joe Hallgarten, Programmes Director with Creativity, Culture and Education, UK discusses how creativity in schools and universities, the quality of teaching and the curriculum provided, all affect the way young people’s skills develop, and whether they have the skills they will need for living and working throughout their lives. Also on the Education panel are Ned Costello, CEO, Association of Irish Universities and Member of the National Innovation Taskforce and Martin Drury, Arts Director with The Arts Council and founder of The Ark.
•  Arantxa Mendiharat, Director, Conexiones Improbables in Bilbao, Spain will be joined by Michael John Gorman, Director of The Science Gallery and Justin Knecht from the Centre for Design Innovation in Sligo. Mendiharat is recognised internationally for her innovative approach to applying creativity to industrial, social and research areas.
•  Concluding the presentations Michael D. Higgins T.D. will be joined by Tania Banotti, Theatre Forum and Dermot McLaughlin, Temple Bar Cultural Trust looking at how creativity ultimately permeates all aspects of society, and how society as a whole benefits from its development.

Speaking about the Creative Sector theme, Frank Dawson said, “As the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation drew to a close, the European Commission invited member states to foster the potential of policy to promote the Creative Sector and to nurture creativity and innovation by recognising creative talent, rewarding excellence and disseminating innovative works. In response to that invitation, for these three years, the Douglas Hyde Conference will be a platform for continued research into creativity and innovation”.

“The WDC is working to promote and position the Western Region as Ireland’s hub for the Creative Sector because we know that, based on international comparisons, the Western Region has the potential to create an extra 2,000 jobs in the Creative Sector. We are delighted to partner once again with Roscommon County Council Arts Office to highlight the many opportunities associated with the Creative Sector, which has strong growth potential, generates high quality employment, facilitates innovation in other sectors, plays a key social role and can stimulate rural and regional development”, concluded Lisa McAllister.

This year, most of the conference will take place on Friday 15th October. On Saturday 16th, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Douglas Hyde, a special service and commemorative wreath laying ceremony will take place at his graveside at the nearby Douglas Hyde Centre.

For booking and further information on the conference including biographies of speakers and panellists, please see www.roscommonarts.com/hyde

Ends

For further information please contact:

Philip Delamere on 09066 37285, Email artsoffice@roscommoncoco.ie
Or
Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
Or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

Notes to editors on Roscommon County Council Arts Office

Roscommon County Council Arts Office seeks to actively encourage the development, and accommodate the breadth, of creative activity in Co. Roscommon. It achieves this by encouraging greater appreciation and participation in the arts generally for people of all ages and backgrounds and promoting the development of practitioners in the county. It develops and co-ordinates a number of programmes independently and in association with its partners. The Arts Office also develops policies in relation to various aspects of the arts.

 The search for sustainable, environmental, energy sources has been the subject of intensive study over the last decade. Provision of reasonably priced, secure, safe and clean energy is a fundamental driving force for economic growth and competitiveness, and maintenance of quality living standards. The development and employment of renewable natural resources as fuel sources is of strategic importance to countries in managing fuel resources for future generations.

Earlier today, Minister Tony Killeen T.D., launched the RASLRES bio energy project which examines and pilots a number of approaches to address the many barriers towards renewable energy deployment in rural areas. Its proposed solutions include new co-operative partnerships between suppliers and producers of renewable fuels and end users or consumers via researching and piloting specific initiatives: enhancing the role and influence of public sector bodies through policy reform, finding sustainable commercial solutions for both end user and suppliers / processors and developing advisory service programs to enable participants to acquire the skills necessary to implement and drive market developments.

Speaking today at the RASLRES launch, Christopher Parker, secretariat of the Northern Periphery Programme stated, “The programme monitoring committee are delighted to support RASLRES as a strategic project within the NPP region. RASLRES is a renewable energy project which helps the NPP address priority issues, such as, developing new enterprise opportunities and the sustainability of rural communities. We anticipate that RASLRES will result in lasting change for the participating communities, individual businesses and across the wider NPP region. In turn it will provide the NPP with a model for continued growth and development of the renewable energy sector across the NPP region.”

WHAT IS RASLRES?

RASLRES is a multi-national European bio-energy project, funded by the Northern Periphery Programme, which uses local resources and local people to provide a complete solution for renewable energy through a range of renewable energy technologies and biomass fuels including wood, reed canary grass and marine biomass. The main objective of the project is to increase the deployment and uptake of locally produced renewable energy solutions in the NPP area.

RASLRES is an international partnership led by the Western Development Commission, Ireland with partners: Action Renewables, Northern Ireland, UK; Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College, Scotland; Municipality of Norsjö, Sweden; Oceanrainforest Ltd, Faroe Islands and VTT, Technical Research Centre, Finland.

Over the duration of the project RASLRES will:

• Establish wood fuels and marine biomass as viable alternative to fossil fuels, by making them a real cost competitive alternative in the NPP area
• Build awareness of opportunities for rural communities to produce and supply locally produced biomass (wood, seaweed and energy crops) to towns and cities
• Provide business development support to rural biomass producing communities
• Develop biomass supply chains through direct business and community engagement
• Develop a transnational exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology and methodologies for the development of renewable energy sources in the Northern Periphery area
• Develop best practice business models which will stimulate growth in the renewable energy sector across partner regions
• Promote independence and sustainability within rural areas to create local jobs for future generations

• Assist Governments reach their targets for reducing CO2 emissions

PROJECT IMPACT

The RASLRES project has the potential to achieve the following economic impact in the western region of Ireland by the year 2020, through renewable energy production:

• Renewable energy (from wood) will provide 11% of the region’s heat market needs by 2020
• This will have a knock on impact of increasing the regional income by €15 million per annum
• 900 jobs will be created within the wood energy sector and associated businesses in the supply chain model
• Ireland will achieve CO2 savings of 619,000 tonnes per annum

Speaking earlier today at the project launch, Ian Brannigan, Regional Development Manager WDC and RASLRES Project Lead commented; “The WDC is delighted to be leading the RASLRES project which goes to the heart of the local community by using local resources and local people to provide a complete solution for renewable energy. The project will stimulate growth in the renewable energy sector, which will benefit local communities by promoting their independence and sustainability and creating local jobs for future generations.”

Brannigan went on to state, “We are delighted with the progress to date with our pilots which develop best practice business models to stimulate growth in the renewable energy sector not only in Ireland but also across the partner regions.” Brannigan concluded.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ian Brannigan
Regional Development Manager
Western Development Commission
Tel: +353 (0)94 9861893
Mobile: +353 (0)86 6048012
Email: ianbrannigan@wdc.ie

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has announced its support for the Féile Icarus business planning workshops which will be held in Connemara on the 27th and 28th August 2010. The full-day workshops will provide a supportive platform for entrepreneurs, start-ups, innovators and creatives to identify their strategic challenges and devise practical ways to unlock their business potential.

“Given our strategy to promote and develop the creative sector in the Western Region, we are delighted to endorse the Féile Icarus project” said Joanne Grehan, Regional Development Executive at the WDC.

“Our 2009 study ‘Creative West: The Creative Sector in the Western Region’, showed that there are 4,779 creative businesses operating in the Western Region, directly employing over 11,000 people. This generates an annual turnover of €534m and directly contributes €270m to the Gross Value Added of the regional economy. It is therefore a major economic contributor to the region that we believe can be grown significantly, and events like Féile Icarus are critical to driving that growth”, she added.

Féile Icarus promoter, Chris Mortimer said, “Entrepreneurs are driven by their passions and learn from their failures. Through this event, we endeavour to make use of those learnings and devise actionable plans that will capitalise on the passions.” He continued, “Traditional training programmes tend to overlook these elements, whilst at Féile Icarus we aim to harness them as a springboard for business and creative planning.”

During the workshop, participants will work through a number of business critical questions, drawing on the expertise and insights of the group. All delegates will develop a ‘flight plan’, and identify a ‘tag-team’ partner, with whom they will collaborate after the event, as they implement their action plans.

“Féile Icarus adopts a unique approach to helping entrepreneurs by encouraging them to learn through facilitated peer discussions set against a backdrop of clear structure, discipline and a value proposition. By supporting entrepreneurs like these to turn their ideas into viable businesses, we move closer to realising the potential to create an extra 2,000 jobs in the creative sector in the Western Region”, added Ms Grehan.

Féile Icarus is inspired by the Greek tale of Icarus who fashioned makeshift wings to aid his escape, only to fall fatally from the sky due to flying too close to the sun.

“Modern entrepreneurs have a lot to learn from Icarus,” said Chris Mortimer. “Icarus had the passion to succeed and the creativity to devise an innovative solution. His biggest mistake was not recognizing when he was failing and changing his focus accordingly. As entrepreneurs we know that failure can be a fantastic catalyst for change, however we must be honest about where there is scope for improvement”.

The workshops provide an opportunity to bring together the different sub-groups that make up the creative economy. Tickets for the events are priced at €19.50 per day and can be purchased at www.feileicarus.com

For further information please contact:

Chris Mortimer, Féile Icarus, 087 096 3818
or
Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

Notes to editors on Chris Mortimer

Chris Mortimer has been involved in start-up companies, developing products and helping other start-ups since 1997. He has a background as a communications trainer, web marketer and entrepreneur and is passionate about change, innovation, empowerment, the web and making a difference. In his past he has developed practical, learning models and educational games as well as online communities and services.