Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I agree that substantial funding has been provided for more than 20 years with the development enterprise centres. Taking the case of my county, we have had a good track record of the local authority developing work spaces, enterprise centres and sites for providing services. They can draw down financial assistance of grant aid towards development but the local contribution is a very hefty demand on a local authority with a low rates base. There is a need for a better funding model to ensure the local authorities can continue to put in place such infrastructure.

I am thankful there are some international companies that started in my county, literally in the backyards of houses and in small enterprises. There is a demand for working space. We all know for a new start-up business, with an operation involving one or two people, the provision of working space is a huge demand in terms of cost. The provision of working space can ensure we continue to generate and create employment in our smaller towns and more rural areas.

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