merrion street

The Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon TD, today opened the North Clare Opportunities Event, in Ennistymon, Co Clare.

Held as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival, the event brought together the services that are available in the area. There were over 25 exhibits representing the education, training and employment sectors as well as the recreation, farming and financial advice sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister Cannon said: “The North Clare Area Network is a wonderful example of how community groups, voluntary organisations and state agencies can come together to share knowledge, facilitate co-operation and form partnerships, and all with the shared goal of improving lifelong learning”.

He noted the development of SOLAS, the new national training body, saying that “the social and personal benefits of education to the participant are immeasurable.

“In these challenging economic times we must also consider it in terms of providing participants with a better chance of gaining and maintaining employment”.

The Minister congratulated the local projects shortlisted for awards as part of the AONTAS festival. Three projects were shortlisted in the Munster category: the Seol Sionna project, Clare DEAL project and Dragons Den summer project.

He concluded by wishing all of the participants success with the day’s events.