Taoiseach: Small businesses the ‘backbone of economy’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny hailed small businesses as the backbone of the Irish economy, during a tour of Cork yesterday.

Mr Kenny was speaking as he presented the Ballincollig Business Association awards at the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig.

More than 100 local businesses were represented at the awards, which were sponsored by AIB and EMC.

“We have a lot to celebrate today in Ballincollig and in North Cork and it’s an honour to be here to recognise businesses, big and small, who are not only surviving, but thriving in what have been challenging times,” Mr Kenny said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the hard work and determination of individuals and companies all over the country have been key to building the recovery.

“I am very pleased that we have reached the 100,000 jobs target in the Action Plan for Jobs a year early but we will continue the journey towards economic improvement for all — small businesses as well as large.”

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny talking to us at #ballincollig business awards pic.twitter.com/f2VgGNm3Po

— Anthony O'Donovan (@anthonyodonovan) June 12, 2015

O’Connor Pyne and Co Chartered Accountants won the best small/medium business award, while tech giant VMware, based in the town centre, won the best large business award.

Bill O’Connell, the global vice president of EMC, based in nearby Ovens, was named businessperson of the year; developer Michael O’Flynn won a Hall of Fame award for his contribution to the development of the town; the local Tidy Towns group won a civic award; while the late Mary O’Mahony, former business association chairwoman, was remembered.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Áine Collins said she was glad the Taoiseach experienced the “tenacity, community spirit, innovation and cooperation” in the town.

Afterwards, the Taoiseach visited the EMC plant, one the largest multinationals in the Cork region, before opening a €350,000 playground in Ballincollig Regional Park.

The Taoiseach then attended a function in Ballyvourney, honouring Micheál Ó Scanaill of Údarás na Gaeltachta, and was later guest of honour at a reception in Millstreet.