Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Scanlon for his kind wishes on behalf of myself and my Ministers of State, Deputies Smyth and Dillon. The number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in County Leitrim has increased by 67% since 2020, with 978 people now employed in the county by these companies. In 2024 there were 110 new jobs created in the county by Enterprise Ireland-supported clients, helping the county achieve 11% growth in 2024. In County Sligo, we have seen an increase of 19% in employment among Enterprise Ireland-supported companies since 2024. Employment now stands at 2,377 people among Enterprise Ireland-supported companies. There were 246 jobs created in Sligo in 2024 by these companies, which contributed towards 3% growth in the county during 2024. This growth was in line with the national average for Enterprise Ireland-supported companies where employment grew on average by 3% also.

I continue to emphasise the importance of regional development and the role of Enterprise Ireland in driving economic growth right across Sligo and Leitrim. I want to highlight the agency's efforts to provide businesses with the resources and the support they need to thrive, particularly in the areas outside the capital. By focusing on innovation, collaboration and sustainability, Enterprise Ireland aims to create a more resilient and competitive business environment in the north-west region. These initiatives reflect the broader commitment to fostering balanced economic growth right across Ireland, ensuring that all regions can contribute and benefit from the nation's prosperity.

I thank Deputy Scanlon for his question and assure him that we are doing everything right across government to ensure balanced regional development and make sure our regions grow; for example by supporting tertiary education, which is key in the north west, and by having many partnerships with industry to give the region the opportunity to grow and prosper.

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