Official Opening of IQ Ballina (Innovation Quarter Ballina) on Monday 4th November 2024 with Orla Bourke, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Catherine McConnell, Director of Services, Mayo County Council, John McGee, Head of Local Enterprise Office Mayo, Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council, Cllr Mark Duffy, Carmel Murphy, Administration Officer, Kevin Kelly CEO of Mayo County Council, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, Rose Conway Walsh TD, Minister of State, Dara Calleary TD, Cllr John O’Hara, Cllr Michael Loftus, Cllr Annie May Reape, Declan Turnbull, Head of Ballina Municipal District of Mayo County Council, David Dwane, Chair of Moy Valley Resources IRD, Carmel Hughes, Elizabeth Ferguson, Craoibhín Ballina, and Mayo County Council Architect, Robbie Maguire. Picture: John O’Grady.
Official Opening of IQ Ballina – Transformative Development
The state-of-the-art complex was once a site with a history dating back to 1740. Now it has been meticulously repurposed into an innovative hub that combines heritage preservation with cutting-edge facilities to meet modern business needs. IQ Ballina offers flexible office spaces, meeting facilities, and a variety of desk options across three main buildings. The enterprise space has capacity for up to 150 people. Embodying both the commitment of Mayo County Council and Moy Valley Resources to addressing dereliction and the shortage of high-quality enterprise spaces in Ballina and North Mayo, IQ Ballina will provide a vibrant centre for technology and creative industries.
Minister Calleary highlighted the significance of IQ Ballina in his opening remarks:
“It’s fantastic to be with you on what is a really momentous day for our town. Many speakers have referred to it being more than an opening. It absolutely is. It’s a very definite statement of intent of the future direction of the town; it’s a statement of pride in our history. And this combination of history and intent signals a fair future.”
Jacqueline Kinsella, Operations Manager, Moy Valley Resources, David Dwane, Chairperson of the Board of Moy Valley Resources, Annie May Reape, Councillor of Ballina Municipal District of Mayo County Council pictured at official opening of IQ Ballina (Innovation Quarter Ballina) on Monday, 4th November 2024Declan Turnbull, head of Ballina Municipal District of Mayo County Council pictured with members of Moy Valley Resources IRD management team (Elizabeth Ferguson, Craoibhín Ballina; Mairéad Melody Carr, Mayo North Tourism; Jacqueline Kinsella, Operations Manager, IQ Ballina; Lesley Moore, Mayo Volunteer Centre; Kim Merrifield, LEADER development officer, Moy Valley Resources IRD and Corina Deehan, LEADER development officer, Moy Valley Resources IRD) at official opening of IQ Ballina (4 November 2024)
Collaboration with Moy Valley Resources
With the strong support and expertise of Moy Valley Resources, IQ Ballina continues to seek Expressions of Interest from innovative enterprises in particular those in start-up or growth mode, inviting them to establish a base within this flourishing hub.
Annette Maughan, CEO of Moy Valley Resources, welcomed this new chapter, saying:
“IQ Ballina represents a continuation of our organisation’s work in supporting enterprise growth and empowering local businesses. We look forward to welcoming new enterprises that can contribute to our region’s prosperity.”
In his address at today’s official opening, Chairperson of Moy Valley Resources IRD, David Dwane, expressed pride and hope for the evolution of IQ Ballina. he said:
“When these beautifully restored military quarters were first occupied almost 300 years ago, Ballina, and indeed Ireland, was a very different place.
Now it’s an occupation of a different kind for these historic buildings as we look forward to welcoming the brightest, best and most innovative new businesses to Ballina.”
For businesses and entrepreneurs eager to join the IQ Ballina community, further details on the Expression of Interest process can be requested via eoienquiries@iqballina.ie.
As a newly energised landmark, IQ Ballina is poised not only to invigorate the local economy but to inspire the community. Its adaptable public spaces are designed to host events and foster social engagement, ensuring the Innovation Quarter becomes a vibrant destination for all.
Moy Valley Resources IRD is delighted to partner in this endeavour, extending its legacy of supporting local enterprise and innovation.
Working collaboratively with Mayo County Council in this landmark enterprise space, we wish the businesses located in IQ Ballina success, progress, enjoyment and achievement in the town of Ballina and the region of North Mayo.
Following today’s official opening of IQ Ballina, follow Mayo County Council, Local Enterprise Office Mayo, and Moy Valley Resources IRD socials for all the latest updates about IQ Ballina.
Visit the new IQ Ballina websitefor full information about Innovation Quarter Ballina including booking details for facilities and services at the innovation hub (flexi-desks, dedicated desks, private office space, conference room, or a virtual office).
