I am very pleased to be able to join you here today to mark the official opening of the Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre. I recall the launch of the development plans for this centre in May 2000 and I am delighted to be here with you all to share in this important occasion. This Centre, through its outreach work and distance-learning programmes will be a valuable asset to the entire community.
The strength of this centre lies in its origins in cross border co-operation. The proposal can be traced back to 1999 when a strategic partnership was formed between Cavan County Enterprise Board and the Fermanagh University Partnership Board, with valuable input from Professor Eamonn McQuade of the University of Limerick. One of this partnership’s primary aims was to develop the economy of the two counties and promote long-term economic stability for the greater community. And this work has culminated in the Cavan/Fermanagh Regeneration Initiative and the delivery of the CITC.
I particularly welcome co-operation like that displayed by the founding
partners of the CITC. As the saying goes “the sum of many parts is greater than the whole”. And that is certainly the case here today. One need only consider the many stakeholders to understand the level of commitment and hard work that has been invested to ensure the successful delivery of the CITC.
These stakeholders include:
- the International Fund for Ireland under the Business Enterprise Programme;
- the European Union under Interreg II;
- the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Cavan County Enterprise Board;
- Cavan County Council;
- the European Regional Development Fund;
- the Border Midlands and Western Regional Assembly under the Innovative Actions 2000 – 2006 Programme;
- Area Development Management and the Combat Poverty Agency under the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation; and
- Enterprise Ireland.
Ireland’s continued prosperity is strongly based on a spirit of cooperation and partnership, and it is wonderful to see this coming to fruition with the delivery of this state-of-the-art facility. And with this facility the CITC brings to the region a range of new services. It further strengthens and enhances existing community support services and also ensures the continued development and growth of business in the region.
Furthermore, by providing the Border Area Headquarters of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Cavan County Enterprise Board at the CITC, a wealth of knowledge, expertise and supports are being brought together in this region. This will undoubtedly be of huge benefit to all.
One of the CITC’s missions is the provision of skills through training and I must commend this. Ireland’s experience to date has clearly demonstrated that education is one of the most important building blocks for a successful and innovative economy. With this in mind, I particularly welcome the partnerships that CITC has developed with many of Ireland’s leading academic institutions through the provision of part-time certificate and diploma courses.
An excellent example of these academic partnerships is the recent development of a course with Fermanagh College allowing small and medium size retailers in the region access to business and ICT skills training.
Small and medium sized enterprises are of paramount importance to the Irish economy and to Irish society, not least because of the significant regional economic impact arising from their many activities.
And CITC’s work in enhancing information technology skills is to be commended. In an era where technology is all-pervasive, IT skills are crucial for Ireland and for Irish businesses as they compete as part of a small open economy. It is important that we continue to develop these skills to ensure the future success of Ireland as part of the global economy.
Facilities and services such as those provided by CITC will help us in meeting this challenge. Equally, much of the work you are doing in this area complements the findings of the Task Force on Lifelong Learning. This demonstrates a real understanding of the important role regional actions play in supporting national policy.
By providing technology support and educational opportunities to business and the wider community it is clear that CITC is on track to become a major catalyst for improved training and the development of a strong local economy in the Border Counties. I wish you continued success with your goal of providing valuable skills and facilities to the people of this region.
Thank you.
ENDS