A new innovation and development centre has been set up in Connemara to help grow businesses in the marine sector.
The Nua Na Mara Marine Innovation and Development facility is located at the Údarás na Gaeltachta gteic hub in Carna.
Nua na Mara will help early stage businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs looking to develop marine enterprises in the Gaeltacht region.
It is meant to build on, and work together with, the research and testing facilities for the marine sector provided by GMIT and NUIG already operating in Carna.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta said that this centre will support marine industry on the west coast of Ireland.
“Expertise and business supports will be made available to innovation companies wishing to progress marine matters in the Gaeltacht whilst using the region’s natural resources.”
“The centre will greatly enhance prospects for the community and businesses in this Gaeltacht area.”
Údarás na Gaeltachta and a number of stakeholders secured €2 million in funding in 2018 under the Rural Economic Development Fund to set up Nua na Mara.
Newly appointed Business Development Officer for the centre Cliodhna Ní Ghríofa said it will, “encourage engagement and the sustainable development of early-stage companies, start-ups and researchers to develop their business concepts in the Gaeltacht region.”
“We can advance and progress the cultivation of a marine enterprise ecosystem with the resources available to us.”
“There is significant scope to generate economic development and employment in this region”.
