Annual Report 2010 Publisher full - Offaly County Council

Active Age Park Birr
The Economic Development Office initiated the Birr Active Age Park.
Under its Tourism Umbrella the Economic Development Office was
working with HSE Health Promotion, the Local Development Company
and Birr Town Council to provide an active age park. Within
once concentrated area of Birr, the town would be complimented
with a playground, new skateboard park and an active age park.
These amenities would prove extremely beneficial to the local community
but also prove attractive to visitors and tourists across all age
groups.
The Economic Development Office is secretary and support worker to
both the West Offaly Enterprise Fund and the North Offaly Development
Fund. Although a very difficult economic year there has been
some positive stories. Companies like Safe Farm and Cultec have
taken up residence in Ferbane Business and Technology Park and are
both expanding their business from there. Rhode Business Park is
near completion and will provide a strong attraction to new businesses
in the North Offaly area with its proximity to the motorway.
Biotricity have received planning permission n a site adjacent to
Rhode Business Park. It would be expected that they would act as a
large draw to other companies from that particular industry. Biotricity
will take in raw biomass sourced from forestry and agriculture
crops which will be chipped, dried and then turned into Biofuel pellets.
It has been an extremely difficult year economically but there have
continued to be positive news stories. For example the
announcement in early 2010 that Freund will establish their
European Hub in Tullamore. We have also developed good linkages
with colleagues in Arizona and developed valuable economic
linkages. Offaly County Council has also been exploring all possible
developments for existing land banks that could provide an economic
return or jobs boost. We will continue to explore all opportunities for
the sustainable development of our County.
Support to West Offaly and North Offaly Development Fund
Page 30 | Offaly County Council Annual Report 2010