Huge €3.6m funding boost for Monksland enterprise hub

Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the allocation of Government funding of €2.75m, and a further €900,000 by Roscommon County Council, to develop a new life sciences innovation hub in Monksland, Athlone. 

The funding is to refurbish a disused building in Monksland Business Park into a life sciences and co-working hub to support existing rural enterprises requiring high speed broadband and support for start-up companies. 

The hub will build on the software and life sciences businesses in the Monksland area and will be funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring yesterday (Wednesday).  

The project, which was initially spearheaded by Athlone Chamber and supported by Roscommon LEADER Partnership, is now being promoted in conjunction with Roscommon County Council and Enterprise Ireland. 

Denis Naughten, who was a member of the initial sub-committee which developed the project, said: “Many small and start-up businesses outside of the main towns are struggling to access quality broadband that can make their enterprise a success, and this project can help fill that void.

“Over time this project has expanded to become a potential key driver of new jobs not just in Monksland but in the towns around our region, by attracting innovative start-up companies into our area.”