Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP) has welcomed the inclusion of its planned new multi-functional Creative and Innovative Industries Centre at the Innovation Hub on Roxboro Road in the recently announced Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan.
The project will enhance the vision for the Mid-West Region to be recognised as the most equipped region in Europe for complete film production facilities.
The concept for the centre was first mooted as part of LEDP’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026. The facility will comprise Ireland’s first virtual production studio and appropriate space to facilitate and encourage indigenous SME sub suppliers to the Film Industry to grow (such as; prop making, lighting, set construction, etc) in a regeneration area. A vacant unit totalling 33,000 sq. ft. at the LEDP’s Innovation Hub has been identified for this project specifically.
Niall O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, LEDP said “We are delighted our proposed centre has been recognised within the Regional Enterprise Plan. At LEDP, we want to increase our enterprise and employment creation activities and spark opportunities. Gaining this acknowledgement and support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment gives us the impetus to deliver this strategic project by Q4 2023. We are currently out to tender for the feasibility study, supported by Enterprise Ireland, and we look forward to taking the project through to completion and seeing jobs and pathways created for people who want to enter the film industry.”
The purpose of the Regional Enterprise Plan is to create the conditions for entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses, encourage new investment and business growth, and lead to increased employment in every region.
The Regional Enterprise Plans bring a focus and collaborative effort to address specific regional ecosystem gaps and act on the strengths and opportunities unique to each region, adding value to and complementing the ongoing work of the individual enterprise agencies and development bodies in the region.