Build it and they will come

Local Enterprise Week kicks off in Cavan with special event

Cavan’s thriving business landscape was further boosted this week with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art IDA manufacturing facility at Killygarry Business Park.

This official opening coincided with the start of Local Enterprise Week 2026 (March 2-6), and a launch event titled ‘Build & Beyond 2026’, which sought to highlight Cavan’s strengths in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The event attracted industry leaders from companies such as Kingspan, Mannok, Kore, Callaghan Electrical, and McCabe Group, who all shared their insights on the future of the sectors, and the role renewable energy has to play in sustainable manufacturing.

The new IDA facility at Killygarry is part of the IDA Property Programme, which aims to create ready-to-go, world-class industrial spaces to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

James Boyle, Regional Manager at IDA Ireland, spoke at the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) event, highglighting the importance of investment in such infrastructure.

“It’s a statement of confidence in Cavan,” said the Kilnaleck native of the new maufacturing facility, completed towards the end of last year and already being marketed globally to potential clients.

Mr Boyle highlighted the growing success of the "thriving" Killygarry Business Park, noting that it is almost at full capacity. Back in 2019 there was just one tenant, ATA Group. Now there are around half a dozen, supported by various state agencies.

“This rapid development demonstrates the power of smart infrastructure and the supportive business environment in Cavan,” he said.

Local Enterprise Week 2026 has in the past proven to be a vital catalyst for local innovation. One such company benefiting from this supportive environment is Quotesforit, a local start-up that looks to revolutionise the construction industry by offering a digital platform for the procurement of construction materials.

Founded by Thomas Coyle and John Potter, Quotesforit are based out of the Cavan Digital Hub and the website will go live later this week.

“Being part of Local Enterprise Week has been incredible for us,” said Thomas Coyle, Belturbet native and co-founder of Quotesforit.

“We’ve already secured several local businesses, including Gem Oils, Wilton Waste and Tusker Construction, and we’re looking to expand further. The connections we’ve made here are invaluable," he said, acknowledging support from the local LEO through mentoring and grants.

Quotesforit's vision is ambitious. While they’ve focused on the Irish market initially, they’re already looking to expand into the UK.

“The construction industry is traditionally very slow to adopt digital solutions, but the shift is happening,” says John Potter. “We’re bringing technology to a sector that has not seen much change in this area. The feedback we’ve received today has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Eoin Doyle, CEO of Cavan County Council, meanwhile took the opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts between local authorities, businesses, and national agencies like IDA and Enterprise Ireland in driving the region’s economic success. As of recent reports, over 4,000 jobs have been created in Cavan, with a steady rise in enterprise activity and the growth of FDI-driven employment.

“When we think about economic growth in Cavan, it’s not just about attracting international players like Kingspan or Mannok,” Mr Doyle told the Celt. “It’s about creating an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive. The development of Killygarry Business Park is a clear example of how local government can play a central role in fostering this growth.”

Head of Cavan's LEO, Conor Craven, also acknowledged the importance of Local Enterprise Week in showcasing the strength and diversity of Cavan’s business landscape.

“It gives businesses, both established and new, the chance to network, share ideas, and access the support they need to grow. It's an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how far Cavan has come, not just in terms of international investment, but in terms of local innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

A key focus of the ‘Build & Beyond 2026’ event was the growing importance of sustainability in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Niall O'Connor, Managing Director at Kingspan Insulation Ireland, discussed the need for companies to adapt to new green building standards and low-carbon technologies to remain competitive.

“Sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore - it’s a necessity,” he said, highlighting the “huge opportunities” for businesses in Cavan to lead the way in low-carbon and renewable energy solutions.

This was echoed by Kevin Lunney, Operations Director at Mannok, a leading supplier of building materials.

Mannok is now part of the global Cimsa Group, and he spoke about the dynamic shift his company is experiencing as part of a much larger international organisation.

He sees it as an opportunity to expand the business and attract new investment with a focus on sustainability.

“We’ve heavily invested in Lean manufacturing, green start initiatives, and other key areas, which has built a solid foundation of credibility. This investment in our operations has provided us with significant leverage and recognition on the international stage.”

Neil Phair, founder of Phair & Co, has in the past pulled on the county jersey and trumpeted the role Cavan and its businesses are playing on national and global stages.

“Cavan has such a strong community spirit, and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in the support businesses are giving one another,” says the Killeshandra man.

“A lot of people from Cavan are already established in Dublin, but there's a real opportunity to encourage more people to return and contribute to Cavan’s growth. As you know, the County Council is actively trying to draw on the diaspora, and that’s something I’m fully behind.”

Mr Boyle highlights the importance of partnerships in Cavan’s continued growth. “This facility exists because of the collaboration between local authorities, business owners, and national agencies.

We need to keep building those relationships and investing in infrastructure, people, and innovation to ensure Cavan’s future success.”

It a sentiment shared by LEO's Mr Craven, who adds: “There is a wider point, about creating an environment where local and international companies can interact and thrive together, for the benefit of everyone, and that's what we're trying to achieve here.”