Michelle Goodwin appointed as Ireland’s first permanent Regional Enterprise programme manager.
Meath County Council has confirmed the appointment of Michelle Goodwin as the first permanent Regional Enterprise Programme (REP) manager in Ireland.
Goodwin previously worked with Bank of Ireland and played a leading role in the National Enterprise Towns Awards initiative.
“This region holds immense potential, and I look forward to working with all our partners going forward to maximise new opportunities, to collaborate and build a resilient and scaling enterprise environment in the Mid-East”
This new role, hosted by Meath County Council, will support the delivery of strategic enterprise initiatives across the Mid-East Region, which includes Meath, Wicklow and Kildare.
Goodwin will work directly with Owen Brennan, executive chair of Devenish and chair of the Mid-East Regional Steering Committee, to advance the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s (DETE) regional enterprise strategy.
Enterprise and economic growth
In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and maintaining structures that support enterprise and economic growth throughout the region. She brings significant experience in enterprise development and strategic programme management.
“I am thrilled to be the first permanent Regional Enterprise Programme Manager in the country, and I would like to thank Meath County Council for hosting the role,” Goodwin said.
“This region holds immense potential, and I look forward to working with all our partners going forward to maximise new opportunities, to collaborate and build a resilient and scaling enterprise environment in the Mid-East.”
The REP Manager will collaborate with senior stakeholders including DETE, Local Authorities, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, higher education institutions, education and training boards, tourism agencies, industry leaders, Chambers of Commerce and the wider business community. The goal is to ensure a coordinated approach to the implementation of the regional enterprise plan.
A key part of Michelle’s responsibilities will involve working closely with the Regional Skills Forum Manager to align skills development with industry needs, support job creation and promote clear career pathways.
Chief executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, welcomed the appointment. He said: “We are delighted to host Michelle’s permanent appointment to Regional Enterprise Programme Manager, a role with immense potential to help not just our county continue to become a leader in job creation, but the entire Mid-East Region.”
Work on the new Regional Enterprise Plan is expected to begin shortly, with a launch planned for the first quarter of 2026.
Owen Brennan, chair of the Mid-East Regional Steering Committee, also welcomed the appointment.“I am delighted that Michelle has secured the first permanent REP role in the country. Her leadership will be vital in harnessing the collective strengths of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, driving innovation and creating a vibrant ecosystem for businesses to thrive.”
Main image at top: Owen Brennan, Devenish, and chair, Mid East Regional Steering Committee; Ella Ryan, Centre of Food Culture Development manager; Kieran Kehoe, chief executive, Meath County Council; and Michelle Goodwin, Regional Enterprise Programme manager, Mid East
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