New head of enterprise in Laois hopes to boost job creation in county
Lisa Molloy is the new Laois Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism
A new head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism was appointed in Laois.
Laois County Council and Local Enterprise Office Laois announced the appointment of Lisa Molloy as Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism on Tuesday, July 28.
As part of this role, Lisa will oversee the delivery of enterprise supports, economic development initiatives and tourism development activities across the county.
The new department head will work closely with businesses, community organisations, government agencies, industry representatives and wider stakeholders.
The aim of the role is to lead efforts to support entrepreneurship, drive investment, enhance competitiveness, and promote Laois as a premier location to live, work, visit and do business.
As Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism, Lisa will lead the continued development of the Local Enterprise Office while advancing Laois County Council’s wider economic and tourism objectives.
Her focus will be continuing to build on the INVEST LAOIS campaign, creating opportunities for business growth, attracting investment, supporting innovation, developing a vibrant tourism offering and ensuring that Laois continues to compete successfully at a regional, national and international level.
Originally from Galway, Lisa previously worked at the Local Enterprise Office in Offaly and held positions within Offaly County Council as Active Travel Officer and Staff Officer in the Library Service.
She also spent over nine years working at University College Dublin, where she was International Programme Manager for more than two years at the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems. Part of this role involved collaboration with Fáilte Ireland on the promotion of the summer cultural programmes to advance Ireland as an education destination.
She will be taking over from Raheen woman Evelyn Reddin who retired after 40-years of service as the Head of Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office Laois at the end of last year.
Commenting on her new position, Lisa said: "I am honoured to take on the role of Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism with Laois County Council. Laois is a county of immense opportunity, with a growing business base, a talented workforce, exceptional connectivity and a strong sense of ambition. Its strategic location at the heart of Ireland provides businesses with unrivalled access to key markets, while offering an outstanding quality of life for those who choose to live and work here.
“I look forward to working with businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, tourism providers, community groups and our many partners to drive sustainable economic growth and position Laois as a place of choice for investment, innovation and enterprise. Together, we will continue to build a thriving economy that supports job creation, attracts new opportunities and showcases everything that makes Laois a great place to do business and visit."
The Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, welcomed Lisa to the job, saying: "I am delighted to appoint Lisa Molloy as Head of Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism. Lisa brings extensive experience in enterprise support, business development and leadership, together with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing both businesses and local economies today.”
He added: “Laois is exceptionally well positioned for growth. Its central location, excellent transport infrastructure, connectivity to all major cities, highly skilled workforce and outstanding quality of life make it an attractive destination for business investment and expansion. Lisa's leadership will help us build on these strengths, support indigenous enterprise, attract investment, grow tourism and maximise the economic potential of County Laois for the benefit of our communities and businesses."