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New Tech Hub aims to attract jobs and investment to North Meath

4th July 2016

Plans to develop an ‘International Technology Startup & Scaleup Hub’ in Kells are well underway with development works on the initial phase due to start next week.

The Kells Tech Hub, which will be located in the Kells Enterprise & Technology Centre in the Kells Business Park, will foster collaboration between the state agencies, universities, multi-nationals and indigenous businesses in order to facilitate the development of a ‘Technology Cluster’ in the region. Clustering is known to bring additional companies into a region where similar types of businesses are located. This allows for the leverage of existing infrastructure, improved employment opportunities and ability to develop a set of more versatile skills.

“We are only 45 mins from Dublin Airport, 50 mins from Dublin Port and an average of 45 minutes from 8 of the countries leading Universities, therefore Kells is ideally located to become a leading regional hub for high potential technology startups and SME’s” said Gary O’Meara Manager of Meath Enterprise and Project Manager of the Kells Tech Hub.

Joe English Head of Enterprise with the Meath Local Enterprise Office said “We are delighted to see this exciting initiative get underway in Kells and we look forward to working with Meath Enterprise and other key stakeholders to ensure it’s success”

Meath Enterprise and Meath County Council were successful in their funding application to the Dept. of Environment, Community & Local Government last October under the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) Pilot Initiative and as a result were awarded €75,000 towards phase one of the project. The initial phase will include the development of high spec incubation and training facilities to attract and support established tech startups and SME’s and its expected that phase one will be completed in September 2016.

Subsequent phases for this innovative project will include the development of additional incubation space, a dedicated business training and collaboration facility, a technology research centre and business innovation centre. There will also be a strong emphasis on training and mentoring the client companys to international standards and best practice. “We are already working with partners in the public and private sector to develop high level innovation programmes that can add real value and help businesses scale. While it is economically beneficial to support the establishment and development of technology businesses, they must be supported in their efforts to innovate and invent. Otherwise, their range of products and services could become obsolete and the sustainability of the business would be compromised.” said Mr O’Meara

John V Farrelly Chairman of the Kells Enterprise & Technology Centre said “Gary and the rest of the Board of the Kells Enterprise & Technology Centre, particularly Kevin Stewart and Bill Sweeney, have put considerable time and effort into this project over the last 12-18 months so we are delighted to see it finally get started. It has the potential to establish Kells as a leading regional Technology Hub and this will mean more jobs and investment in the region”.