An inaugural meeting of the IT Association for the Midlands (ITAM) was held in the Radisson Hotel in Athlone on April 7th. Representatives of 15 enterprises and 5 institutions and government agencies attended. The geographic spread of attendees ranged across counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim.

The Athlone area has in excess of 800 people working in IT related jobs, the vast majority working in professional engineering or managerial roles thus making it one of the most heavily concentrated per capita IT areas in the country. While this fact is not nationally (or locally) well recognized, the area is very well positioned to build on its current base to become a branded software and IT centre.

The completion of the Dublin/Galway motorway, the expansion of the AIT Software Research Centre, the success of the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre in stimulating new technology based enterprises combined with the well established strength of the existing enterprises all point to a bright future for the sector in the area.

Networking people and enterprises from the same business sector and joining forces has long been recognized as a significant factor in promoting development and growth for the mutual benefit of all participants in that sector. To date that formal networking infrastructure has not existed for the IT sector in the Midlands.

A very good example of how effective such a network can be is the Information Technology Association in Galway (ITAG). Formed in 2002, ITAG facilitates social and professional networking events for its members (in excess of 60 enterprises), runs the Galway based Skillnet training network, provides advice and information to enterprises, assists with attracting competent and skilled workers into the area and liaises with College and Schools with IT related initiatives. Galway in 2008 is a hotbed of IT innovation and enterprise and ITAG has definitely contributed to that.

It was clear at the meeting that there is a need and a desire to get an Association off the ground in the Midlands.

Caroline O'Neill, CEO of ITAG and Fintan Healy, Chairman of ITAG presented at the meeting and outlined the role and history of ITAG and how it functions. Barry Egan, Regional Director Enterprise Ireland also presented.

This was followed by a lively question and answer session and general discussion.

It was agreed to put in place an interim organising committee to decide on the mode of operation and put in place next steps.

For more information re ITAM, please contact:

John Mee
CEO SolanoTech Ltd (and Chair of ITAM Interim Organising Committee)
Midlands Innovation and Research Centre
Athlone Institute of Technology

Phone:	090-6635987
Mob:	087-6184462
Email:	jmee@solanotech.ie