L–R Deputy Martin Daly, Joseph Naughton (Joseph Naughton Auctioneers), Seamus Duffy (BACD), Honoria Mitchell Black (Araya Marketing Solutions), Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Lyn Donnelly (BACD), Alan O’Grady (Western Postform), Cllr Michael Connolly and Brendan Kelly (KPW Print Management).
By Colm Croffy
Ballinasloe’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges facing regional businesses were highlighted during a recent visit by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the town, where he met with local enterprise leaders and members of Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD CLG).
The visit provided an opportunity for local businesses to outline both their successes and the obstacles facing companies operating in a regional town. BACD Chairman Seamus Duffy outlined the role of BACD in rebuilding employment locally.
Several business owners spoke directly with the Taoiseach about the realities of running and expanding companies in Ballinasloe.
Honoria Mitchell Black of Araya Marketing highlighted the pressures facing small businesses, particularly when hiring staff for the first time. She outlined the difficulty many small enterprises experience navigating employment responsibilities and recruitment. She also spoke candidly about the challenges of running a growing business while raising a young family, noting that flexible supports for entrepreneurs could make a significant difference for small business owners.
Alan O’Grady of Western Postform discussed the company’s significant recent expansion and investment in upgrading its manufacturing facilities. He noted that the development was carried out without direct government support and emphasised the need for additional manufacturing and industrial space in Ballinasloe to allow businesses to scale and attract new employers to the town.
Meanwhile, Brendan Kelly of KPW Print spoke about the rapidly changing print industry, including rising costs and technological shifts. He outlined how KPW has adapted by diversifying services and investing in modern equipment, allowing the company to remain competitive despite industry pressures.
BACD representatives also stressed the importance of developing enterprise space and ensuring Ballinasloe is positioned to benefit from regional economic growth.
The meeting was arranged by Deputy Martin Daly, who has a constituency office based in the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub on Society Street.
