Meath County Council has announced the appointment of Michelle Goodwin as the first permanent Regional Enterprise Programme Manager (REP) in the Country for the Mid-East Region.

This landmark appointment, with Meath County Council proudly hosting the role, signifies a major step forward in delivering strategic enterprise initiatives across Meath, Wicklow and Kildare. 

Michelle will work directly with Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of Devenish and Chair of the Regional Steering Committee to drive the Department of Enterprise Tourism and Employment (DETE) initiative. 

Michelle, who has extensive experience in enterprise and economic development and strategic programme management, will be responsible for the development, establishment and servicing of appropriate structures to support and facilitate enterprise and economic development and growth throughout the region. 

The REP Programme Manager will engage with senior level stakeholders including the DETE, Local Authorities, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, higher education institutions, education and training boards, tourism agencies, industry leaders, Chambers of Commerce and the broader business community to ensure a cohesive approach to the plan’s objectives. 

A key aspect of Michelle’s role will involve working closely with a Regional Skills Forum Manager to ensure an integrated approach to skills development across various industries in the region supporting job creation and ensuring clear career pathways. 

Speaking about Michelle's appointment, Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe 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." 

Regional Enterprise Programme Manager Michelle Goodwin said: "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. 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. 

Chair Mid East Regional Steering Committee Owen Brennan Devenish said: “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. 

Work on the Regional Plan will commence shortly with an expected launch in Q1 2026.