Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the official opening of new premises for Laser Engineering Ltd., Duleek, Co. Meath on Tuesday, 30th January, 2007 at 11.30am
It is great to be back here today in Meath, a county with one of the fastest growing populations in the country. I am especially delighted to be here today to officially open Laser Engineering’s new premises in Duleek Business Park. This is a local enterprise that has made great strides and I would like to thank John Sullivan and family for their kind invitation.
Laser Engineering is very much a home grown, family run business established by John in 1972. With the assistance of his two sons, Cormac and Peter, John has built up this company over the years to become a thriving enterprise. I know John Jnr. was also part of the company up until the year 2000, when he left to set up his own transport company which now works in conjunction with Laser Engineering.
Operating from Stamullen for 34 years, today marks the culmination of 10 years of hard work and planning with the official opening of your production facilities here in Duleek Business Park. This is an achievement in which you can take great pride.
As one the leading mechanical engineering companies in the North East, the company today boasts a 70 strong workforce of Fitters, Fabricators, Welders, Coded Welders as well as a team of administrative staff.
With your fully equipped Design and Drawing Office, you are now in a position to provide your clients with an excellent and wide range of products and services at a very high standard.
Of course, we are all aware of the vital role that the construction industry plays in the continued growth and success of our economy. Prospects for the future remain positive with continued growth expected in the construction industry for 2007. The expansion of activity in the non-residential commercial sector as well as public investment also means demand for considerable quantities of structural steel. This, of course, is good news for companies like Laser Engineering.
And I expect that the good news will continue in the wake of the launch of the new National Development Plan which sees an unprecedented level of investment of €184 billion over the next seven years in the future of this country. The Plan will see a major investment in our transport and social infrastructure. It will also see a new deployment of resources to support the productive capacity of our enterprise sector. This will equip us to compete even more effectively in an increasingly knowledge-intensive and interconnected global economy.
But it is not just in the business world that the Sullivan family have excelled. You have also shown the same prowess in the world of sport, particularly gaelic football. I suppose that is hardly surprising coming from a football stronghold like Meath!
I know John has been involved in Meath football all his life and was former Chairman of Meath Minor Board. Cormac was Meath goalkeeper in the 1999 All Ireland Football final when they beat Cork. He was also honoured with an All-Star in 2001 and represented Ireland in the Compromise Rules that year. Peter captained the Meath Minors to win an All-Ireland in 1992 and went on to win Under 21 in the 1993 All Ireland. In fact, between 1982 and 2003, at least one member of the Sullivan family represented Meath at various levels in football. That is, by any standards, a glittering football family record and one of which to be very proud. Cormac and Peter are still involved in football at club level with St. Patrick’s of Stamullen.
It now only remains for me to conclude by wishing John, his family and all the team at Laser Engineering many more years of continued success. Congratulations to each and every one of you.
Thank you.
ENDS