Link between local authority and AIT crucial

BUILDING close relationships between the local authority and Athlone Institute of Technology is crucial, according to a local elected representative.
Fianna Fail Councillor Aengus O’Rourke was appointed chairman of the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on Economic Development, Enterprise and Community recently. He took over from his party colleague Councillor John Shaw, who held the post for the past two-and-a-half years.
The committee consists of five elected councillors in Westmeath along with three industry representatives.
“We are there to explore opportunities from an enterprise point of view,” he said.
The committee, he said, plays a role in aiming to generate economic activity, “events that would create footfall for an area like trade fairs and seminars”.
Among Cllr O’Rourke’s priorities as chairman will include enhancing mobile phone coverage and the roll out of e-fibre in the midlands.
He is also hoping to work closely with AIT, “to partner the work they do on the business side”.