“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.

The event was attended by people originally from Sligo who have made London their business base, and the evening focussed on WDC’s continuing work on positioning the West for economic recovery. A special guest in attendance, was Michael Feeney, founder of the County Mayo Peace Park, who that day had received his MBE from Queen Elizabeth for services to UK-Ireland relations.

In her address to assembled guests Joanne Grehan, Regional Development Executive at the WDC said that they were delighted to partner with the SBN to engage directly with important decision makers. She said that the event was a great opportunity to build on the success of LookWest.ie in promoting the region as a great place to live, work and do business.

Andy Rogers, founder and Chairman of SBN London said that the event was a great example of the Network’s role in encouraging investment and business start-ups in Sligo. “There are significant advantages from tapping into the network of Sligo people based in London who can themselves act as ambassadors for the West of Ireland and ultimately help drive economic recovery and job creation,” he said.

Dr Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst at the WDC said: “If we want national growth we need to invest in all our regions.  Helping less developed regions to grow will bring benefits for the whole country.  This was highlighted in recent reports published by the OECD.”

Regions are ready to respond, as was shown by the growth which occurred during the boom.  In the Western Region, for example, the labour force participation rate rose from 56% to 61% during the period of rapid economic growth 2000-2007.  The WDC believes it is now important to ensure that the advances made during that period are not lost.

“There is often a presumption that some regions have more ‘potential’ than others, this shouldn’t be used to justify concentration of investment in those regions,” she added.  “Concentrating resources in one place is not enough to bring about sustained national growth.  Harnessing the assets of both rural and urban regions will bring the greatest overall benefit.”

The WDC says that although transport and other infrastructure developments are essential for regional development they are not enough by themselves.  Investment in infrastructure must be maintained and combined with investment in the ‘3Es’ of enterprise, employment and education, along with a drive to increase innovation.  “The OECD found that when these elements work together they create regional and national growth,” Dr McHenry said.

“Regional policy is relevant to all policy.  There is a need for an identifiable single figure at national level to co-ordinate regional policy if it is to be fully effective.”  Dr McHenry concluded: “Public policy has a vital role to play in developing all regions and helping them achieve their potential. There is no single approach which will work for all regions but if regional policy is effective it will take account of differences and will result in a country with better options for all of us.”

The Policy Briefing is the first in a series of WDC Policy Briefings which will highlight and provide discussion and analysis of key regional policy issues.

Why care about regions? A new approach to regional policy is available to download here.

For further information please contact:

Dr Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst, Western Development Commission, 086-6053264 / 071-9668998
or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has launched a photo competition to capture a Sligo summer moment as part of its LookWest.ie initiative to promote the Western Region as a great place to live, work and do business.

The competition, in association with Capture Gallery and Sligo Chamber, will take place as part of the summer programme of festivals and events and LookWest.ie wants people to share their most inspiring, exciting, fun-filled photos capturing the perfect Sligo Summer moment. Landscapes, surf-scapes, festivals, gigs and summer fun-filled shots – the competition will capture the buzz and magic of Sligo and the organisers are especially looking forward to seeing great photos from the Lissadell concerts and surrounding fringe events.

Ian Brannigan, Development Manager at WDC said: “This July, all eyes are on Sligo for sunshine, surf, sailing, GAA and, above all, the eagerly anticipated Leonard Cohen and Westlife concerts at Lissadell House. We are asking people to get out their cameras and show how their county shines. Simply ’snap and send’ your images via www.LookWest.ie or email photos to photos@lookwest.ie”

The competition will run for the month of July and prizes will include a netbook from local broadband provider, Fastcom Broadband. A shortlist of the top 20 photographs will be chosen by a judging panel of Sligo photographers. The shortlisted photos will be exhibited from Wednesday August 4th until Saturday August 14th at the recently opened Capture Gallery, Sligo’s only dedicated fine art photography exhibition space. The winning photo will be chosen from the shortlist of 20 by a public vote during the photo exhibition in Capture Gallery and online via LookWest.ie

“Because the competition is online, people from all over the world can look west and join in the fun. Through the photos they will see the beauty and the character of county Sligo and that will help promote the Western Region as an attractive location for enterprise,” Mr Brannigan concluded.

Details

The competition will run for the month of July. To enter log on to www.LookWest.ie or email photos to photos@lookwest.ie

Ends

For further information please contact:
Ian Brannigan, Western Development Commission, 086 604 8012
or
Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
or
Bernadette Mullarkey, Bane Mullarkey, 086 806 2540

About Capture Gallery

Capture Gallery opened in May 2010 to provide a dedicated place for photographers, both local and national, to showcase their work. The gallery aspires to encourage photographers to develop their own unique styles and express their personalities through the medium of photography at the highest standard, as well as giving the public an opportunity to consider photography as an alternative art form. The gallery has a full calendar of exhibitions for the remainder of 2010, as well as eight more commercial exhibitions planed for 2011.

Capture Gallery is also available for commercial hire throughout the year www.capturegallery.ie

About Sligo Chamber

Sligo Chamber is the largest business membership organisation in the North West of Ireland, representing over 300 businesses and organisations in Sligo City and County. Sligo Chamber is accredited to Chambers Ireland, Ireland’s largest business network with 60 member chambers representing 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland. The Chamber is based in Quay Street in Sligo City. www.sligochamber.ie

Five County Mayo schools have shared US$11,500 in funding from the Irish American Partnership under its ‘Primary School Library and Science’ Programmes. The funding will be used to purchase books, reading materials and science materials. Of the five schools, three are in Swinford; Killasser National School, Meelick National School and Culmore National School, and two are in Tourmakeady; Tourmakeady National School and Colaiste Mhuire post primary school.

Two men with strong Mayo connections, Jim Durkan a native of Swinford and Patrick Heneghan whose ancestors came from Tourmakeady, were instrumental in the decision of the Irish American Partnership to award funding to the five Mayo schools. Mr Durkan and Mr Heneghan are both based in Chicago and are active members of the Partnership.

Cheques were presented to the principals of the five schools by Patrick Heneghan and Chris Kozicki representing the Irish American Partnership. Speaking at the presentation, John Cribbin, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council said: “On behalf of the principals, teachers, parents and pupils of the five schools, I would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Jim Durkan, Patrick Heneghan and Chris Kozicki and the wider Irish American Partnership for their generous donation. It will greatly assist the work of the fortunate five schools“. Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager welcomed the awards as “a very real demonstration of the linkages which bind the Mayo Diaspora worldwide.”

Joanne Grehan of the Western Development Commission (WDC) said: “The Irish American Partnership is a great friend of County Mayo and of Ireland. Through our work on LookWest.ie the WDC is nurturing relationships with the Irish Diaspora with the aim of increasing inward investment into the Western Region. Organisations such as the Irish American Partnership are very important in helping us to engage with the Irish population overseas in innovative ways. The diaspora is an asset to Mayo and the Western Region and we want to strengthen links between highly successful expatriates and the innovative businesses and projects operating in the Western Region.”

Mary Sugrue McAleer, Vice President, Irish American Partnership said: “We are delighted to have raised this money for the Mayo schools and want to extend our sincere appreciation to Jim Durkan and Patrick Heneghan for organising the recent golf tournament in Chicago. With over 10,000 members across the United States, the Irish American Partnership raises funds to support educational opportunities, job creation, and cross-community projects in Ireland, both North and South.”

Members of the Irish American Partnership have been responsible for over $16 million in grants to Irish education to date as part of their ingoing support for Irish schools. The Partnership works closely with the Department of Education and Science to identify appropriate programmes and schools for funding.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
or
Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, 087 286 5217

www.wdc.ie and www.lookwest.ie

Details of the initiative were outlined recently to an audience of business owners and entrepreneurs from the Western Region at a workshop held in association with The Innovation Centre at IT Sligo.

Joanne Grehan of the WDC said: “The programme has a two-fold approach; firstly, assisting companies expand into the US market and, secondly, promoting the Western Region as a location for enterprise to companies in the US who wish to expand their operations internationally. The WDC is working closely with the noted Philadelphia-based accounting firm Maguire Hegarty LLC who have specific expertise in this area.

They will act in an ambassadorial role for the WDC by building links between companies in the Greater Philadelphia Area and the Western Region.

She added: “Maguire Hegarty specialises in assisting companies wishing to explore the United States as part of their business plan. Their expertise includes tax management, accounting and management consultancy. Paul Maguire and Liam Hegarty outlined to the audience how Irish companies can tap into the US as a market for their products or as a source of investment”.

Ms Grehan explained that the new initiative is part of the WDC’s ongoing programme of developing and nurturing relationships with the Irish Diaspora with the aim of increasing inward investment into the Western Region. “The Irish Diaspora is a valuable asset to the Western Region and we want to strengthen links between highly successful expatriates and the innovative businesses and projects operating in the Western Region”, she said.

Ms Grehan concluded: “We plan to organise another workshop over the coming months to inform businesses about the opportunities that exist.

Businesses that are already established in the Irish market who wish to find out more about the initiative can find further details closer to the time on www.lookwest.ie

 Ends

For further information please contact:
Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802 or
Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, 087 286 5217

Tionscnamh nua WDC chun Onnmhairí chuig SAM a mhéadú fad is a Choinneofar Daoine le Buanna i Réigiún an Iarthair.

Sheol Coimisiún Forbartha an Iarthair (WDC) tionscnamh nua mar chuid dá chlár LookWest.ie chun cabhrú le fiontair a dtáirgí agus a seirbhísí a onnmhairiú chuig Mórcheantar Philadelphia agus Réigiún an Atlantaigh Láir i Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá (SAM). Cabhróidh an tionscnamh le húinéirí gnó agus le fiontraithe ón Iarthar leas a bhaint as deiseanna leathnú chuig margadh luachmhar SAM fad is a choinneofar buanna agus fostaíocht sa réigiún. Tá súil ag an WDC freisin go mbeidh an tionscnamh ina chúis le fostaíocht mhéadaithe mar thoradh ar an mborradh a thiocfaidh faoi onnmhairiú.

Le deireanas, míníodh mionsonraí an tionscnaimh do lucht féachana d’úinéirí gnó agus d’fhiontraithe ó Réigiún an Iarthair, ag ceardlann a tionóladh i gcomhar le hIonad Nuálaíochta IT Shligigh.

Dúirt Joanne Grehan de chuid an WDC: “Tá dhá chuspóir ag an gclár; sa chéad dul síos, cabhróidh sé le cuideachtaí leathnú chuig margadh SAM, agus sa dara dul síos, cuirfidh sé Réigiún an Iarthair chun cinn mar láthair fiontraíochta do chuideachtaí i SAM ar bhreá leo a n oibríochtaí a leathnú go hidirnáisiúnta. Tá an WDC ag obair go dlúth leis an ngnólacht cuntasaíochta cáiliúil Maguire Hegarty LLC atá bunaithe i Philadelphia agus a bhfuil saineolas sonrach acu ar an réimse seo. Gníomhóidh siad mar ambasadóir don WDC trí naisc a chruthú idir cuideachtaí i Mórcheantar Philadelphia agus cuideachtaí i Réigiún an Iarthair.”

Dúirt sí freisin: “Tá Maguire Hegarty dírithe ar chúnamh a thabhairt do chuideachtaí ar bhreá leo gníomhú sna Stáit Aontaithe mar chuid dá bpleananna gnó. Tá saineolas acu ar bhainistíocht cánach, ar chuntasaíocht agus ar shainchomhairleoireacht bainistíochta, i measc eile. Mhínigh Paul Maguire agus Liam Hegarty don lucht féachana an dóigh ar féidir le cuideachtaí Éireannacha SAM a fhorbairt mar mhargadh dá dtáirgí nó mar fhoinse infheistíochta”.

Mhínigh Ms Grehan go bhfuil an tionscnamh nua mar chuid de chlár leanúnach WDC um chaidreamh a fhorbairt agus a chothú le Diaspóra na hÉireann d’fhonn infheistíocht isteach i Réigiún an Iarthair a mhéadú. “Is sócmhainn luachmhar do Réigiún an Iarthair é Diaspóra na hÉireann agus teastaíonn uainn naisc a chruthú idir eisimircigh rathúla agus na gnóthais agus na tionscadail nuálaíocha atá ag feidhmiú i Réigiún an Iarthair,” a dúirt sí.

Mar fhocal scoir dúirt Ms Grehan: “Tá sé beartaithe againn ceardlann eile a reáchtáil sna míonna amach romhainn chun gnóthais a chur ar an eolas faoi na deiseanna atá ar fáil.

Féadfaidh gnóthais atá bunaithe i margadh na hÉireann agus ar bhreá leo tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin tionscnamh mionsonraí breise a fháil ar www.lookwest.ie  níos giorra don ócáid.

Críoch

Déan teagmháil leis na daoine seo a leanas le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais:

Joanne Grehan, Coimisiún Forbartha an Iarthair, 086 856 5802 nó
Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, 087 286 5217

A key reason for winning the award was for the role LookWest.ie plays in enhanced interaction between government services and the general public. The award is also recognition of the success of LookWest.ie in promoting the benefits and economic advantages of the West of Ireland. The website engages with an online international audience as well as being a valuable online resource for people living in the region and in other parts of Ireland. It is used by almost 20,000 people every month.

Speaking after the announcement Joanne Grehan of the WDC said: “We are absolutely delighted and I think it is particularly rewarding for LookWest.ie to be recognised in such a prestigious category and among such esteemed competition. The website was launched in 2004 and is the definitive online guide to living, working and doing business in Ireland’s Western Region. It is a one stop shop providing information about a range of topics from incubation units for new business to our skills register (http://www.lookwest.ie/skills-register) where people record their skills and experience to create a profile of the talent, qualifications and expertise available in the West. This profile of talent and experience is an important tool in attracting inward investment to the region. In times of economic constraint and job losses, it is more important than ever to continually communicate the benefits, innovation and creativity of Ireland’s Western Region so that we are well positioned to take advantage of economic recovery and LookWest.ie is critical in doing this.”

Mr. Pat Carey, T.D, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs said: “I would like to congratulate the WDC on winning this award. LookWest.ie plays a key role in the WDC’s work of delivering balanced regional development. A strong and vibrant Western Region is good for the people in the region but also for the national economy as it is important that all regions maximise their full potential for economic and social development.”

Ms Grehan added: “I’d like to make a special acknowledgment of the designer of LookWest.ie, Jeff Kay of JDK Design in Tubbercurry, County Sligo. Originally from Lancashire, Jeff is a real LookWest.ie success story. He and his wife moved to Tubbercurry to set up their business and they have never looked back. It’s an added bonus that the website was designed and created by a West of Ireland company as it demonstrates the incredible depth of creativity that the West is known for. The WDC is a strong advocate of the importance of the creative sector as it is a major economic contributor to the region that we believe can be grown significantly, even in difficult economic times.”

Jeff sums up his experience of running a business in the West as: “My experience of doing business in the West has been very rewarding and I am very confident about the future of design in the region. Companies and organisations are increasingly appreciating that design services are integral to how they can differentiate themselves from their competitors. On the personal side, we are now part of the community in the West; there is a lot of warmth and generosity here. Life has never been busier for us, but at the end of the day, the beautiful scenery, fresh air and peaceful home calms the mind, adding to our life and job satisfaction. Our children couldn’t be brought up in a nicer area and we have never looked back!”

Winners of the Net Visionary Awards were based on votes from a group of industry expert judges as well as votes from the public. The judging panel included the Irish Internet Association, the digital division of The Irish Times and the Internet Marketing Unit of Enterprise Ireland, amongst others.

Ms Grehan thanked the Irish Internet Association who organised the awards, the judges and the people of the Western Region who voted to ensure that the West of Ireland came out on top. “It is a fantastic achievement for the West to win this prestigious award,” she said.

Ends

For further information please contact:
Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802
or
Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, 087 286 5217

Joanne Grehan, Regional Development Executive at the WDC said: “The WDC is delighted to partner with the SBN for this unique opportunity to engage directly with important decision makers and business interests. Many people from Sligo and surrounding counties have established successful businesses and hold senior positions in large companies in London. This event presents a great opportunity for the WDC to build on the success of LookWest.ie in promoting the Western Region as a great place to live, work and do business.”

Andy Rogers, founder and Chairman of SBN London said: “The Sligo Business Network has been growing over recent years and our activities include networking opportunities for members and encouraging investment and business start-ups in Sligo. We facilitate businesses from Sligo to promote themselves in the UK and we highlight the benefits of Sligo as an economically advantageous business location. This is also a key objective of the WDC so we are delighted to work with them in spreading that message.”

Both organisations believe that there are significant advantages to be gained from tapping into the Diaspora network based in London who can themselves act as ambassadors for the Western Region and ultimately help drive economic recovery and job creation.

The WDC welcomes the opportunity to create links with people who are actively considering a move for themselves or their business to the Western Region. “We encourage people from the West particularly those from Sligo to let their friends and relatives living in London know about the event. We also work closely with IT Sligo so their alumni in London are also encouraged to join us for the event”, Ms Grehan added.

“In the trying times of the present economy, such networking with supportive diaspora groups is a vital part of ensuring good communications and business partnering,” said Mr Rogers. He added: “As a UK member of the Global Irish Network (set up by the Government following the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh) I believe that the London event is an integral part of the Network’s role in facilitating greater strategic and practical interaction between Ireland and leading business figures within the global Irish community.”

People interested in finding out more can contact Andy Rogers on 00 44 7785 920810 / sligobusinessnetwork@gmail.com or Joanne Grehan 086 856 5802 / joannegrehan@wdc.ie

Ends

For further information please contact: Andy Rogers, Sligo Business Network, 00 44 7785 920810, sligobusinessnetwork@gmail.com or Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802

The Western Development Commission (WDC) today met with Minister Pat Carey, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to formally launch the RASLRES project.

RASLRES is a €3 million multi-national European bio-energy project which seeks to grow the number of local businesses involved in the sector and is led by the Western Development Commission (WDC), Ireland with partners in Sweden, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Faroe Islands and Finland. RASLRES is funded by the INTERREG IVB – Northern Periphery Programme.

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, “The call for pilot models has already been issued for wood biomass and the WDC has received considerable levels of interest from those who wish to be included in the project. Those included will effectively gain access to specialised technical and business support to enable them to launch and grow sustainable enterprises in the community. Similar efforts in other bio energy sectors e.g. marine bio and reed canary grass will be launched in the next year or so ”

“RASLRES will assist the Government in reaching its target for reducing CO2 emissions by reducing emissions with an equivalent value of 92,000 cars over the duration of the project and will also develop best practice business models which will 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

NOTE TO THE EDITOR:

• RASLRES is a project funded by the Northern Periphery Programme. The RASLRES project will:
• 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
• development of biomass supply chains through direct business and community engagement RASLRES is an international partnership which includes:

• Western Development Commission – Ireland

• Action Renewables – Northern Ireland, UK

• Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College – Scotland

• Municipality of Norsjö – Sweden

• Oceanrainforest Ltd – Faroe Islands

• VTT, Technical Research Centre – Finland

RASLRES will conclude with a showcase of the outputs from all partner regions in December 2012.

LookWest.ie, the Western Development Commission’s (WDC) online guide to living, working and doing business in Ireland’s Western Region, has been shortlisted for a Net Visionary e-Government Award which recognises enhanced interaction between government services and the general public.

Speaking about the awards Joanne Grehan of the WDC said: “We are delighted that LookWest.ie has been shortlisted by the judging panel of industry experts which included the Irish Internet Association, the digital division of The Irish Times and the Internet Marketing Unit of Enterprise Ireland, amongst others. Getting to this stage in the awards programme is recognition of the important role LookWest.ie plays in promoting the benefits and economic advantages of the West of Ireland.

“The overall winner in each category will be the website receiving the most votes from the public so we are now asking people from the Western Region, both those living here and those living elsewhere, to vote for LookWest.ie by clicking on http://www.iia.ie/net-visionary/vote/ Each person can only vote once so we are hoping that all those who have an affinity or link with the Western Region will log on and vote for LookWest.ie. Voting closes at midnight on April 30th and winners will be announced on May 20th.”

LookWest.ie, first launched in 2004, promotes the West as an attractive and economically-advantageous location for enterprise and is the definitive guide to living, working and doing business in Ireland’s Western Region. The website is aimed both at individuals and businesses in Ireland and overseas and is used by almost 20,000 visitors each month. It engages with an online international audience to promote all the benefits of the Western Region as well as being a valuable online resource for people living in the region and in other parts of Ireland.

The website features video case studies of people who have relocated or set up businesses in the Western Region and utilises all the latest social networking tools to engage with a wide audience. Social media channels include a monthly on-line newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The website also offers RSS newsfeeds and features the latest in video technology via YouTube.

Other aspects of the website include a skills register (http://www.lookwest.ie/skills-register) where people can register their skills and experience to help create a profile of the talent, qualifications and expertise of people living in the West or considering a move here. The WDC believes that such a profile will strongly contribute to attracting jobs and business to the Region. It also encourages people who have an interesting story to tell about their relocation to the West or their experience of establishing a business here to share their experience by emailing info@lookwest.ie or going to http://www.lookwest.ie/case-study-application

“Using the latest in social networking tools, we have made the website very interactive so that we can connect directly with people. The expert panel of judges has recognised this too and now we hope that people from the West will support LookWest.ie’s promotion of the region by voting for us in the final stage of judging. It would be a great achievement for the West to win this prestigious award,” Ms Grehan concluded.

For further information please contact:

Joanne Grehan, Western Development Commission, 086 856 5802 or Angela Bane, Bane Mullarkey, 087 286 5217