Businessman aims to put Leitrim on world map

A businessman has joined a council’s mission to get Ireland’s smallest county on the international map.

Ronan Haslette, of Leitrim-based Merenda, wants to push the region as an ideal location for international businesses.

The veneers products firm already boasts customers from as far afield as the Middle East and Australia, and is hoping moves by Leitrim County Council to attract relocating companies will bring a bigger boost to the area.

Initiatives already under way include a three-day promotional visit from foreign diplomats and ambassadors from 15 countries across the world and getting new companies to apply for a €33,000 Leitrim headstart incentive package.

“Historically, there was always a very strong focus on tourism in Leitrim and on driving the service sector,” said Mr Haslette MD.

“Now I think the council has come around to manufacturing and the strength of the business sector and what Leitrim can offer for relocated businesses in terms of quality of life, in terms of quality of staff, and quality of the location.

“It is driving that point very hard, which I think is a key selling point and I think it could make a big difference to a lot of people.

“A lot of it has to do with the congestion the east coast is suffering.

“Leitrim gives you relief from that and yet you are still only two to three hours from Dublin.”

Mr Haslette, who is in New Zealand and Australia on a five-week business trip, was also part of a recent Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Egypt led by Trade Minister Michael Martin.

He said the Government organisation gave Irish companies major networking opportunities and was a learning curve for newer firms joining the international market.

Born and bred in Manorhamilton, Mr Haslette’s family have lived and worked in the area for almost seven generations and set up Merenda 25 years ago.

He said the visit of ambassadors from Iran, Norway, Brazil, Ethiopia and Czechoslovakia, and diplomats from countries including Japan, China, Germany, Malaysia and Belgium, was a worthwhile step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, more than 20 entrepreneurs are still competing for the Head Start award, which offers workspace, public relations, seed funds, financial advice, design and print service, website development, business mentoring service, conferencing and hospitality to a company planning to set up or relocate to the county.

“All the businesses in the county see the common goal and purpose the council is trying to drive,” he added.

“It is a worthwhile project because if companies relocate, the whole knock-on effect will benefit the county.

“New people will move into the region, new services will be provided, skills will improve and the social and amenity structures of the county will also improve.”