Bray Lions Club

'YES WE CAN' ENTERPRISE CENTRE
HOPES HANG ON UPCOMING BUDGET

A 'LET'S GET Bray Working' project group is looking to Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to open the door for a new Bray Enterprise Centre.

A meeting of the many groups working under the 'Let's Get Bray Working' umbrella was told that a premises has been earmarked for a new Enterprise Centre, but the project is dependent on the necessary funds being made available in the upcoming Budget.

The funding would come principally through Enterprise Ireland and its availability is likely to depend on the allocation to the development authority in the Budget.

An Enterprise Centre would open up exciting opportunities for new businesses and employment in Bray.

The meeting, which was convened by Bray Lions Club as an update of its successful 'Yes We Can' project, was addressed by the Cathaoirleach of the Bray Town Council, John Ryan who said that Bray Economic Think-Tank (BETT) has been established by the Council to report in the Spring of 2010. He said that linkages being made between the 'Lets Get Bray Working' groups and BETT could produce very positive outcomes.

Colum Kenny described how the entrances to the town might be marked to highlight Bray's unique features. His proposal is to use the roundabouts as a means of achieving this. His paper has now gone to the Town Council in response to requests for input regarding the development of the roundabouts.
Bray Lions Club project leader JJ O'Dwyer reported that another group is collecting data regarding goods and services being imported to Bray or exported from the town so that imports might be substituted and value added to exports. It is also compiling data on services or processes which local industries propose to outsource. This information is now being requested through a questionnaire being issued to all businesses on behalf of the Bray Economic Think Tank (BETT).

Declan McAndrew reported that a Finance Group is developing a data base of all sources of finance. It is identifying where financing gaps exist and is exploring mechanisms for the provision of loans at reasonable interest rates for start-up and business development purposes. The group is also exploring the creation of a mechanism through which the people of Bray can invest in local start-up or developing businesses. It is also seeking expertise to support entrepreneurs and people interested in developing businesses that have job creation potential

Tourism has also been identified as an area of potential for Bray and a committee headed by Cllr. Eugene Finnegan reported that it is developing an Integrated Tourism strategy which would enable visitors to book accommodation and a range of activities through a 'One Stop Shop'. Helmut Zarka reported that the group is studying the feasibility of packaging various activities centered around the sea, mountains, rivers and other local amenities.

Tourism would also feature on an enhanced www.bray.ie website and a group chaired by Shay Hiney is in talks with Bray Town Council with a view to developing this website, which could be used as a central communications point for all Bray activities.

Roisin Verdum and Yvonne O'Neill reported that 'Bray Eile', which has been formed out of the Arts and Crafts Group, has opened and art gallery and shop in the old Travelcare premises on the Florence Road. The available exhibition space, called 'Gifted' is fully booked and is already a popular local attraction. John McManus also reported that discussions are taking place between the Arts and Crafts Group and the Mermaid Theatre with a view to creating a new festival in 2010.

Last week Bray people were polled about their views on the unique attractions of Bray and this data will be examined by the 'USP Working Group', headed by Leah Kinsella which is preparing a discussion paper on the 'Unique Selling Points of Bray'

Thanking all the working groups, J. J.O'Dwyer said that the 'Yes We Can' meeting promoted last July by Bray Lions Club has produced many positive outcomes which benefit the people of Bray.