Learn More about WDC’s Bridging Finance Supports
Established in 1998, Mohill Enterprise Centre was created through a community-led initiative to support local economic activity in the town and surrounding areas. From the outset, the centre aimed to address local needs in education, training, employment, and enterprise development, providing workspace and facilities for small businesses and community organisations.
Over the years the centre became an important economic asset for Mohill. However, by 2015 it was clear that the building required significant upgrades if it was to continue supporting enterprise effectively.
Working with the board of the centre, management carried out a strategic review of the facility and identified two immediate priorities:
- upgrading the building infrastructure
- reducing high energy consumption and long-term operating cost
Upgrading the Centre for the Future
Through a successful LEADER funding application, the enterprise centre secured support for a major sustainability and infrastructure upgrade.
The project included:
- Installation of 11kW rooftop solar generation
- 42kW battery storage
- An EV charging point
- Upgrades to the building’s heating systems
- Expansion of the centre by 1,000 square feet
These improvements were designed not only to modernise the facility but also to reduce the centre’s environmental impact and running costs.
However, as is common with grant-funded projects, the funding would only be released after the works were completed. To proceed, the centre needed upfront capital.
The Western Development Commission’s bridging loan was a real game changer for us. It allowed us to complete the upgrades upfront, reduce our running costs dramatically, and create a modern enterprise space that supports both local businesses and the wider community.
John Mannion, Manager, Mohill Enterprise Centre
Bridging Finance Unlocks the Project
The Western Development Commission (WDC) provided a bridging loan that allowed Mohill Enterprise Centre to complete the project without delay.
The finance enabled the centre to carry out the upgrades immediately, assign the LEADER grant funding to repay the bridging facility, and spread the remaining balance over time.
The results were significant. The building is now more comfortable, far more energy efficient, and substantially cheaper to operate.
Operating costs have reduced by approximately 50%, while the additional space allows the centre to accommodate more businesses and community activities.
Supporting Local Businesses
The upgraded facility continues to attract growing businesses seeking a practical base in the region.
One example is Peter Curry, of Gastrome Professional Ingredients, whose business located at the enterprise centre as part of an expansion. After passing the building while travelling through Mohill, Curry contacted the centre to enquire about available space.
Within a week, his company had secured a unit and moved in.
For Curry’s business, Mohill offered key operational advantages. Its proximity to the N4 corridor allows efficient logistics access, enabling goods and services to move quickly to Dublin, Galway and other markets.
The enterprise centre also provides the type of environment many businesses value: modern facilities, a supportive local ecosystem, and space to grow.
Enabling a Smart, Green Town
Beyond supporting individual businesses, the investment aligns with Mohill’s broader ambitions to develop as a smart, sustainable town. The energy upgrades and modernised infrastructure help reduce environmental impact while ensuring the enterprise centre remains a long-term asset for the community.
Through targeted financial supports such as bridging loans, the Western Development Commission plays a key role in enabling community organisations and enterprises across the region to deliver projects that might otherwise stall due to funding timing constraints.
