Economic Development \ The economic regeneration of Newry and Mourne \ PLATO Louth Newry & Mourne

PLATO Louth Newry & Mourne

Plato Ireland is the business support forum for owner managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing the challenges of today's business world. Through a unique partnership with large "parent" companies, Plato provides SMEs with facilitated group learning, specialist expertise and advice, networking opportunities, business development training, and cross border activities.

Plato Louth/Newry & Mourne was the first cross border region established in Ireland. The initial programme (Plato 100) was established in 1995 as an initiative of three local development agencies, to help promote cross border trading links between County Louth in the Republic of Ireland and the Newry & Mourne District Council Area of Northern Ireland. This programme ran from 1996 /1998. The success of this programme prompted the local Board to establish a second programme Plato 200. Many of the companies from the Plato 100 and Plato 200 programmes are still actively involved in the network. PLATO 200 officially finished in December 2000. The third cross border Plato programme to be run in this area was formally launched on 27th March 2002, with a reception at the Ballymascanlon Hotel. The event was a great success with all the new participants and many existing members of the network present. The programme was formally launched by Mr. John McKinney, the Chief Executive of the Special European Union Programmes Body.

An in-depth evaluation was carried out on the PLATO 200 Programme and the new programme launched in March 2002 reflects the feedback and recommendations highlighted by the participants. Most participants indicated that they wish to continue their involvement in the network. Many of these are currently actively involved in specialist programmes.

There are many other activities on-going in the region. Plato Louth/Newry & Mourne formed part of a successful bid to the Skillnets Training Networks Programme to provide value added training to Plato participants.

Plato Louth/Newry & Mourne is a joint initiative of the Louth County Enterprise Board and Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency. This project is supported by the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation administered by Co-operation Ireland.

For further information please contact the Plato Louth/Newry & Mourne office:
Tel: +353 (0) 42 932 7169 Fax: +353 (0) 42 932 7101 (Republic of Ireland)
Tel: +44 (0) 28 3025 1343 (Northern Ireland) E-mail: info@plato.ieinfo@plato.ie

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CHECK OUT www.plato.ie