Enterprising Monaghan doubles activity – AGM hears
650 jobs supported across county
One of Ireland’s largest social enterprises, Enterprising Monaghan, has “practically doubled” its activity since 2020 and now supports 650 jobs across the county, its AGM has heard.
The Board and management gathered at the newly refurbished Nuremore Estate by McGettigans in Carrickmacross, where CEO Finbarr Daly outlined significant expansion across the organisation’s 11 sites.
“Enterprising Monaghan has practically doubled its activities since 2020 and now hosts 65 tenants across 11 sites in the county who between them employ approximately 650 people,” he said.
The organisation provides affordable workspace, co-working facilities through its digi-hub network, business mentoring and financial assistance to client companies throughout Co Monaghan.
Its growing property portfolio includes Mtek 1 & 2 in Monaghan Town; Ctek 1 & 2 in Carrickmacross; Emyvale Business Centre; Clones Business and Technology Park; Newbliss Digi Hub; and in Ballybay, the Food Hub, Wetlands Centre, Farmhouse and the Mews at Birchcourt.
Among the key projects supported in recent years are The Ridge in Castleblayney, Ballybay Wetlands and Ballybay Food Hub, along with the new agri-food research centre in Monaghan Town, BioConnect.
Describing BioConnect as “a strategically important project for the county”, Mr Daly said it has secured significant backing from Enterprise Ireland, Monaghan County Council, Monaghan Mushrooms, Lakeland Dairies, Manor Farm and Silver Hill Foods.
The centre aims to develop new skills and opportunities within the North East’s agri-food sector, while attracting highly skilled talent to the region. The sector remains Ireland’s — and Monaghan’s — largest indigenous industry.
Mr Daly also reported “another robust year” for the company, with both Ctek 2 Business Centre and Newbliss Digi Hub now fully occupied.
“They are now fully occupied with great local businesses who offer excellent job opportunities for those living and working in Co. Monaghan,” he said, noting both projects were delivered in collaboration with Monaghan County Council’s Capital Projects Team.
Chair Claire Cunningham highlighted a six-year, multi-million-euro investment programme delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council, Enterprise Ireland and LEADER to modernise facilities and enhance connectivity across the organisation’s sites.
Looking ahead, she confirmed plans for a new Digi-Hub in Clones, to be located in the town’s former Bank of Ireland building. The project forms part of a cross-border PeacePlus initiative aimed at boosting digital skills among citizens and businesses in designated areas.
In closing, Ms Cunningham and the Board commended the management team’s work and said they looked forward to further projects coming on stream in 2026 and 2027.