Wexford Entrepreneurs to Benefit from New South East Enterprise Hub

The first phase of an ambitious €8 million regional innovation and enterprise hub, Catalyst HQ , has officially launched, with significant benefits expected for businesses across the South East, including Wexford. Designed to support manufacturing, export-focused, and technology-driven companies, the new hub aims to create 175 direct jobs and another 175 indirect jobs over its first 15 years. The project will see the construction of two modern buildings on O'Brien Road in Carlow Town, with plans for a 915 square-metre light industrial building and a 1,369 square-metre office building. Scheduled for completion by 2028, Catalyst HQ will provide an integrated support environment for businesses at every stage of their growth. The hub will offer export readiness, market intelligence, innovation mentoring, and technology adoption support to help companies scale and expand globally. Local businesses from Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford will gain access to critical resources to enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, officially launched the project, calling Catalyst HQ a "game-changer" for the region. The facility aims to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth, with a focus on both micro-businesses and more mature enterprises. The initiative is backed by Enterprise Ireland and supported by Carlow Local Authorities, SETU, and a network of business partners, including Propellor BIC and Carlow Chamber. The South East Catalyst Innovation Company CLG will lead the development of this transformative project, ensuring that businesses in the region have the support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. This exciting new venture is set to provide long-term benefits to Wexford and the wider South East region, positioning local businesses for sustainable success. A render of the revolutionary €8million regional innovation and enterprise hub, Catalyst HQ, which will be based on O’Brien Road in Carlow Town and will serve the South East region of the country. A render of the revolutionary €8million regional innovation and enterprise hub, Catalyst HQ, which will be based on O’Brien Road in Carlow Town and will serve the South East region of the country. A render of the revolutionary €8million regional innovation and enterprise hub, Catalyst HQ, which will be based on O’Brien Road in Carlow Town and will serve the South East region of the country. Pictured in Carlow at the announcement of an €8million regional innovation and enterprise hub, Catalyst HQ, are Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland, Linda Culleton, Enterprise Ireland, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD and Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council. Picture credit: Damien Eagers / Coalesce NO REPRO FEE