The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will officially open the Collooney enterprise centre in Co Sligo today. The centre, part-funded by the International Fund for Ireland, was set up to deal with high unemployment, which was the major contribution to rising emigration in the area.

Comprising 11,500 sq ft of community-owned workspace, the centre was constructed for £335,000 (€425,667). It is based on a one-acre site and houses six separate businesses - crystal glass cutting, steel manufacturing, computer services, precision engineering, bedroom furniture and fitted kitchen manufacturing.