Leitrim event brings together entrepreneurs driving growth and innovation across the region

A successful event took place on Friday, October 3, at Carrick Business Campus, bringing together entrepreneurs and business leaders from sectors such as technology, science, and the food and drink industry who are driving growth and innovation across the region.

Hosting the event was leading business figure and broadcaster Norah Casey, also an advisory board member of Carrick Business Campus.

Titled “Powering Up – Scaling for Impact,” the event featured an opening address by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, and six speakers across two panels.

Panel one included PJ Rigney, Founder of The Shed Distillery; Karen May of Xocean; and Colm Hamrogue of Atlantic Aviation Group.

Panel two featured Paula Fitzsimmons of Going for Growth; Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director at Enterprise Ireland; and Geraldine McLoughlin from the Western Development Commission Investment Fund.,

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Norah Casey led discussions on business journeys, challenges, and advice for those seeking growth in the western region.

PJ Rigney spoke about challenges in the food and drinks industry, noting the need to “secure the jobs that are there, double down on business and continue to grow.” He said the drinks industry is struggling globally but added they are “very much the exception.” Rigney credited success to a diverse team competing “at the highest levels.”

Karen May discussed Xocean’s innovative ocean data collection, using uncrewed marine robots that produce 1,000 times less emissions than traditional vessels. Since launching in 2019, they have doubled revenue each year, backed by investors from Europe and the US, including Morgan Stanley and The Edge from U2. 

She noted that “last year most revenues were in offshore renewables,” but with offshore wind developments down 10 percent this year, adapting to global trends and competitors remains a challenge.

Colm Hamrogue, from Tullaghan, returned from New Zealand after 13 years and now serves as COO of Atlantic Aviation Group, which services aircraft. He shared his story of overcoming a serious accident and building a career through adversity. The company recently signed United Airlines, the world’s second-largest airline, which he credited to “the men and women on the floor working.”

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Paula Fitzsimmons spoke about Going for Growth, supporting ambitious female entrepreneurs across Ireland. Reflecting on the year 2002, she said, “Two men for every one woman was setting up business,” prompting her to ask, “Where were the women?” She found the gap linked to aspiration for growth and founded the programme to help established women-led businesses achieve it. Participants have included Aimee Connolly and Una O’Hagan, with the next intake in two weeks.

Méabh Conaghan outlined Enterprise Ireland’s role as a government agency helping Irish SMEs expand globally. With 42 overseas offices, they support companies to prepare domestically and adapt for export markets. She emphasised the value of connections and peer support.

Geraldine McLoughlin of the Western Development Commission described their investment work from Donegal to Clare. She highlighted Arigna Fuels, now in second-round funding with WDC, which transitioned to biochar with them, a carbon neutral biomass smokeless coal made from olive pit stones. She added that WDC collaborates closely with many medical companies, particularly in Galway.

The discussions at the event on October 3 underscored the ambition and innovation defining the west’s business community as it continues to power up for the future.

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Joseph Gilhooly, CEO of Leitrim County Council; Minister Peter Burke; Norah Casey; Cllr Paddy Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council and Deputy Frank Feighan TD.