Tanaiste Leo Varadkar says a new €1.9m government-funded digital gaming hub in Sligo will enhance the north west’s reputation as a location of choice for technology companies across the globe.
This evening, Mr Varadkar, who is also Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, turned the sod for the new digital gaming hub at Strand Campus in Strandhill.
The digital gaming hub will provide workspace, mentoring and access to various programmes to help entrepreneurs start and develop innovative tech businesses.
It is expected 20 Sligo-based companies will create 100 new jobs onsite at Strand Campus.
A further 40 companies will be supported through a digital games cluster created around Strand Campus.
The Tanaiste pointed out that the digital gaming sector employs about 2,000 people in Ireland, and has a huge potential for growth.
Speaking at Strand Campus in Strandhill this evening, the Tanaiste began by recalling his visit to the area earlier this year.
This morning in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, Mr Varadkar officially opened the Shed Distillery Experience, a €3.5m investment by the makers of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
Twenty-five new jobs will be created this year at the Shed Distillery Experience, bringing the total number employed to 75 in the visitor centre and Jackalope Cafe there.
The Shed Distillery Experience is expected to attract 30,000 visitors to Leitrim per year by 2023.
