Meath County Council Director of Services Dara McGowan, Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding, Minister for Education Helen McEntee and Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne at the official opening of the new Thrive Centre of Excellence.

Official opening of Thrive Centre of Excellence

Noelle Finegan

Published: Mon 29 Sep 2025, 11:26 AM

Last updated: Mon 29 Sep 2025, 11:37 AM

Meath County Council's Thrive Centre of Business Excellence was officially opened by Meath County County Cathaoirelach Councillor Wayne Harding and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, at an event held at the state-of-the-art building on Friday evening.

The new 21,000 square foot facility, which is located beside Meath County Council's Buvinda House in the Navan IDA Business Park, further strengthens Meath's reputation as a leader in economic development and job creation, while also serving as a central hub for supporting and attracting foreign direct investment businesses to the county, and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation at a local level.

Friday evening’s opening saw a panel discussion moderated by television presenter Darragh McCullough, and featuring Minister Peter Burke, Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe, and Brigid Manley, Marketing Manager from Turmec, where the benefits of the new Thrive Centre were explored in detail, all of which will empower businesses to start, grow and succeed.

These benefits include improved supports as businesses from start-ups and small SMEs to larger indigenous companies operating on a global scale can access the supports available across Economic Development, the Local Enterprise Office, Tourism, Food Business Development, Broadband Provision and Climate Action, all under one roof.

It’s also envisioned the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence will create a centre for collaboration within Meath, empowering entrepreneurs and start-ups by delivering focused programmes and by providing easy access to resources, mentorship, networks and workshops to aid in the development of vital skills.

Pictured outside the new Thrive Centre of Excellence building were Councillors Eugene Cassidy, Joe Fox, Maria Murphy, Meath West TD Aisling Dempsey, Director of Services Dara McGowan, Education Minister Helen McEntee, Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence ,Thomas Byrne, Cllr Sharon Tolan and MEP Nina Carberry.

The new facility will also encourage networking and the sharing of ideas and innovations through regular meetings of sector-specific industry focus groups.

Among those who spoke at the launch were Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding, Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, with Director of Services for Economic Development, Dara McGowan, serving as master of ceremonies.

Cllr Harding said: “The Thrive Centre of Business Excellence is yet another example of Meath County Council’s dedication to elevating this county to unprecedented heights.

“We are committed to creating an economically vibrant and sustainable county and this building signifies our staunch and unwavering belief that Meath is the ultimate choice for people working and conducting business in.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: “I am delighted to launch the Thrive Centre of Business Excellence, a prime example of regional innovation which aligns closely with our Regional Enterprise Plans and our SMART Specialisation objectives, where all local business stakeholders have a voice in shaping future investment and opportunities.

“This building will not only ensure local businesses have a space to access all the supports they may require - whatever stage of the journey they’re on - but through focused programmes, will also actively promote the development of the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow.

“I would like to commend Meath County Council not just for their work with this stunning and innovative building, but for their ongoing initiatives focused on creating jobs and attracting foreign direct investment into the county.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “We have been very transparent in recent years in stating that a key aim of ours is to become a leader in job creation and economic development, enabling our people and businesses to thrive.

“At Meath County Council, we encourage innovation, ambition and the determination to succeed and this building embodies all these vital pillars necessary to drive our economic growth into the future.

“Our message is clear - whether you are part of a large multinational organisation seeking a location that matches all your infrastructural requirements, or a small start-up searching for business ideas, solutions, and a place to collaborate, County Meath is open for business.”