Buy-a-brick scheme builds funds for West Cork centre

It was launched just over a month ago, but a West Cork community’s visionary ‘buy-a-brick’ scheme has already raised one-third of a €15,000 target — money which will be put towards the cost of a job-creating entrepreneur incubation complex.

“We’ve had a phenomenal response to the initiative to date,” says Peter Walsh, chairman of Brookpark Enterprise Centre Ltd, the driving force behind the community project in Dunmanway.

Since the buy-a-brick-for-Brookpark was launched in early May, it had met with very strong support, he said: “We raised more than €5,000 — our target is €15,000 so we are really one-third of the way there.”

The response, he said, has been particularly strong locally: “People are delighted someone is taking the initiative and something like this is happening in Dunmanway.” Organisers are now considering extending the length of the fundraiser.

The planned Brookpark Enterprise Community Centre, due to open in January, is expected to create up to 50 jobs. It will provide two large start-up production units and an enterprise centre with purpose-built conference, board and meeting rooms.

All are equipped with the most up-to-date technology, as well as hot desks and other support facilities for local entrepreneurs in the area of food production, manufacture or other services.

A €1m construction project began on the town’s Clonakilty Road site last October and is set for completion this autumn. Cork County Council donated €355,000 while Enterprise Ireland approved €400,000. Locals must raise €85,000, with €75,000 collected so far. “We only have about €10,000 to go,” said Mr Walsh, expressing thanks to businesses and private individuals who had supported the drive. “I would welcome donations from anyone who has not as yet participated.”

Research, he said, had showed the Dunmanway area needed the provision of custom-built, small, own-door start-up units to get enterprises off the ground.

A waiting list exists of prospective tenants who will pay a nominal rent to Brookpark Enterprise Centre Ltd.

What the enterprise needs now, Mr Walsh said, is continuing solid, individual support from as little as €20 upwards from locals and those with Dunmanway connections scattered throughout Ireland and the globe.

Each Brookpark ‘brick’ entitles the buyer to a ticket in a draw which will take place on July 2.

For further details, see: brookparkenterprise.ie