Cllr Fitzpatrick will seek assurances that there will be no reduction in support for small enterprise in Dublin

Dublin City Councillor Mary Fitzpatrick has today announced her official resignation from The Dublin City Enterprise Board (DCEB) with immediate effect as the DCEB is dissolved and replaced by  “Local Enterprise Office” or ‘LEO’. The new One-Stop-Shop micro enterprise support structure has been created through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in Enterprise Ireland (EI) that will work with Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices in each Local Authority.

Speaking about her resignation from the board Cllr Fitzpatrick said “It has been an honour and a privilege to volunteer my time as member of the DCEB, supporting and promoting micro businesses in Dublin City, a subject which I am passionate about”.  Cllr Fitzpatrick has a proven track record in working in small business and enterprise prior to taking on her current position as Fianna Fáil Dublin City Councillor.  She continued “I believe that small enterprise is one of the key drivers to economic recovery so I look forward to following the success stories that the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) will deliver for business throughout Ireland”.

Looking back on the achievements of her time on the board of the DCEB Cllr Fitzpatrick said “It was a busy and productive time! Our achievements included approving over 1470 projects, contributing €14.5m to assist micro businesses, creating initially over 2330 jobs, providing training and mentoring to over 19,500 business people – A record for all board members to be proud of!”.  Cllr Fitzpatick concluded by giving her best wishes to the new Local Enterprise Office and saying that she will seek assurances that there will be no reduction in support for small enterprises in Dublin.

Local Enterprise Office – Dublin City’ or “LEO” is the new name for Dublin City Enterprise Board. It is a first stop shop for Entrepreneurs with a business idea or Owner Managers running a small business with up to 10 people in Dublin City. Essentially, the LEOs will carry out the combined work of the CEBs and the Business Support Units of the Local Authorities.

Supports include business advice, mentoring, business networks and in some cases financial support.                      

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 For further information please contact Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick 086 812 6332 or Rose Hayles on 087 2666006