Where Creativity Means Business - Minister Peter Burke Launches CREW’s New 4-Year Strategy

Photo Caption: Minister Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment launches CREW’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. with Niamh Costello, CEO, CREW and Carol Gibbons, Regions Divisional Manager - Entrepreneurship, Regions & Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland. Photo credit: 091 Productions 

A Vision for the Future of Digital Creative Enterprise in the West and North West of Ireland

Galway – May 12, 2025 – Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, today officially launched CREW’s new strategic plan for 2025–2029, setting out a bold vision for the continued growth of digital creative enterprise across the West and North West of Ireland.

Located on the ATU Galway City (Wellpark Road) campus, CREW (Creative Enterprise West) is a leading innovation hub dedicated to growing the digital creative industries in the West and North West of Ireland. It provides essential infrastructure, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups, and scale-ups in sectors such as film, animation, game development, design, and digital arts.

Since its launch, CREW has successfully developed incubation and enterprise development programmes, supporting 31 early-stage enterprises in 2024. It has also engaged in a range of regional, national, and international development projects, forged strong industry partnerships, and influenced policy to support creative businesses.

The newly launched CREW Strategy 2025–2029, “Where Creativity Means Business”, charts a course to strengthen the digital creative enterprise ecosystem across the West and North West of Ireland. The strategy is built around four key pillars:

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Driving creative enterprise growth through support programmes, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Enhancing Infrastructure and Resources
  Providing state-of-the-art facilities and access to essential tools for creative enterprises.
• Industry Growth and Internationalisation
  Supporting creative industries’ sectoral growth through planning, advocacy, promotion, communications, and dissemination activities.
• Capacity for Continuing Impact
  Ensuring long-term impact through diversified funding sources and mission-aligned projects.

Through strategic partnerships and continued policy engagement, CREW will play a key role in shaping the future of the creative industries both regionally and nationally.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: 

“Ireland’s digital creative sector is a powerful engine for innovation and economic growth. Innovation hubs like CREW, supported by my Department through Enterprise Ireland, play a critical role in delivering regional impact by nurturing enterprise, supporting job creation, and developing skills aligned with local strengths. This strategy is a strong example of how regional innovation aligns with our national SMART Specialisation objectives and Regional Enterprise Plans. I commend the CREW team and its partners for their leadership and look forward to the outcomes of this ambitious and timely plan”

Niamh Costello, CEO of CREW, commented: “The momentum behind CREW reflects the talent and drive in our region’s creative sector. Over the past year, we’ve laid strong foundations and built a vibrant, connected community. This strategy sets out our ambition to scale that impact and deepen collaboration. We invite all stakeholders to join us in delivering this vision and securing a vibrant, sustainable future for the sector.”

Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise Office at Enterprise Ireland, said “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support CREW through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. In a short time, CREW has delivered real results for the creative sector. This strategy shows clear vision backed by strong regional partnerships. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to help creative businesses grow and scale internationally.”

Paddy Tobin, Chair of the CREW Board of Directors and Head of the School of Design & Creative Arts at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), added: “This strategy marks a milestone for CREW and reflects the commitment that’s driven us from the start. With ongoing stakeholder support, CREW has become central to the growth of the digital creative industries in the region. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—and this plan outlines the long-term actions needed to realise that potential.”

Founded by the Western Development Commission and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), CREW is supported by Enterprise Ireland as a key strategic partner and received funding through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. This strategy provides a clear route for CREW to catalyse innovation, enterprise, and international growth in the sector. 

To learn more about CREW and read the full strategy, visit https://crewdigital.ie

ENDS

Note to Editors: About CREW – Creative Enterprise West

CREW (Creative Enterprise West) is a leading innovation hub dedicated to growing the digital creative industries in the West and Northwest of Ireland. It provides essential infrastructure, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups, and scale-ups in sectors such as film, animation, game development, design, and digital arts.

Since its launch, CREW has successfully developed incubation and enterprise development programmes, engaged in a variety of regional industry development projects, forged strong industry partnerships, and influenced policy to support creative businesses.

By engaging in collaboration between academia, government, and industry, CREW is supporting innovation, job creation, and regional economic growth. The 2025–2029 strategy builds on these achievements, ensuring continued support for the digital creative sector and positioning the West and North-West of Ireland for significant growth in digital creative industries.

For Press Enquiries, please contact: Niamh Costello, CEO, CREW

Telephone: 086 600 2700
Email: Niamh.costello@crewdigital.ie