Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as I was in the Seanad earlier and that is why I was late to the committee. I am particularly interested in the presentation of the Western Development Commission, given it is headquartered in Ballaghaderreen. There are two areas on which I want to follow up. Mr. Brannigan pointed out challenges within rural communities in terms of being understood. I understand that for all agencies - Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, local enterprise offices, the Western Development Commission and all of those - we need a proper needs analysis of each town and village and of the connections between those towns and villages with the hinterlands. I do not believe we have that in-depth specific analysis at the moment. I certainly believe the Western Development Commission would be in a strong place to assist with that work to provide us with the evidence for support from our employment agencies. We effectively need our employment agencies working to ensure areas with the greatest need receive opportunities and support. That is the challenge at the moment. I say that with a specific example in mind of my engagement with Enterprise Ireland and a community initiative which was not funded. It seemed to have been an area that had the greatest need. I ask the Western Development Commission to expand further on the excellent work it does in providing that evidence as we move towards a more evidence-based model.

Mr. Branniganstated that the western investment fund and the micro loan programme has supported 135 projects, invested €48 million and is leveraging €210 million in supporting the creation of more than 2,500 jobs. Will he expand a little on the demand and whether there is greater potential for support? We know that the western region is supported by small to medium-sized enterprises. Obviously, the micro loan programme would be very important. Will Mr. Brannigan give us a bit more information on that and on its further potential?