Cyber security 'a big threat to potential investors in Mayo'

AN elected representative has warned of the growing cyber security threat to potential investors in Mayo, with thieves ever ‘more sophisticated’.

That was the view of Councillor Al McDonnell as John Magee, head of enterprise at the Mayo Local Enterprise Office (LEO), gave members a report of the LEO in Mayo for 2022 at a meeting of the economic, enterprise, planning and marine strategic policy committee.

Mr. Magee said €552,000 in financial supports were paid out to 37 projects in Mayo, an increase in 10% on the previous year, with another 33 projects having financial support approved, totalling €476,000.

Mr. Magee noted a number of key achievements for LEO this year including Cubbie’s win at the National Enterprise Awards, the Local Enterprise Week last March, Mayo Food & Drink Networking Training Programme which ran from May 2021 to July 2022, the Meet Mayo event at Ballinrobe Racecourse and National Women’s Enterprise Day.

Looking ahead to 2023, Mr. Magee said that Mayo businesses are vulnerable as a result of additional energy costs and cited the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme and the Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme as supports for businesses struggling with costs.

Councillor Al McDonnell said he had heard of many people who went to the LEO office nervous but came out much more assured with the welcome, encouragement and solid advice they received, and complimented everyone at LEO.

The councillor added that his main concern was cyber security and said investors should be made well aware of the threat due to thieves who are willing to use any resource possible.

Councillor Ger Deere said that LEO was a shining example, particularly with Covid. The councillor said there were challenging times ahead with the cost of living, but there was comfort for businesses out there.