Dublin businesses targeted by Shannon Development

Shannon Development has targeted Dublin businesses, telling them it is possible to work locally and operate globally from the Birr Technology Centre. Shannon Development recently organised a special business function for Dublin based companies and influential management representatives from the accounting, legal, banking and venture capital sectors. The event was designed to forge new business contacts for Birr Technology Centre, and Shannon Development"s four other Knowledge Network business and technology parks around the Shannon Region. Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, and acclaimed Offaly businessman Ray Leonard from Romaquip Ltd, a company based at Shannon Development"s business park in Birr which won a £45stg million UK contract, were key speakers at the event. Demonstrating to the Dublin business audience that it is possible to work locally in the Shannon Region and still operate globally, Dr Cunnane said: 'Shannon Development"s knowledge network of five business and technology parks in Birr, Limerick, Tralee, Ennis, and Thurles are a vibrant and growing cluster. In 2008 over 20 new companies established businesses at our knowledge network, which employs over 3,000 people. These locations offer a great quality of life, access to third level research and development facilities and a pool of highly skilled graduates, as well as world class business infrastructure and facilities. We made a conscious decision to promote our knowledge network business locations and we are delighted with the response we have received.' Denis Duggan Shannon Development, Manager Birr Technology Centre, Co Offaly, told the Dublin business influencers of how the advent of new technology and the world class support structure available at Birr Technology Centre make it an ideal location for start-up and established businesses to flourish. Speaking at the event Ray Leonard from Romaquip Ltd shared his experience of how a company can operate successfully from a Shannon Development business location. Romaquip Ltd located at Shannon Development"s Syngefield Business Park in Birr Co Offaly, is a manufacturer and supplier of road maintenance equipment, including salt spreaders, snowploughs to Ireland, the UK and continental European markets. They hit the headlines last year as one of two companies that secured a £45stg million contract to supply a new fleet of winter service vehicles to the UK Highways Agency - the largest contract ever awarded by the agency.'