Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 54: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland in County Waterford during 2010; the level of funding provided for job creation in County Waterford; the other actions Enterprise Ireland will take to promote jobs in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28856/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Employment data in respect of companies supported by Enterprise Ireland is collated by Forfás on an annual basis and accordingly data is not yet available for 2010. To date in 2010 total funding of €2.78m has been provided by Enterprise Ireland to companies in County Waterford, to support enterprise, thus enabling job creation. This figure includes payments under the employment subsidy scheme, which is supporting the maintenance of vulnerable jobs. At a micro enterprise level €594,374 has been allocated for the provision of direct financial and other soft supports to companies through the Waterford County and City Enterprise Boards. Grants paid to IDA Ireland supported companies in County Waterford total almost €1 million to date in 2010.

The wider supports targeted at County Waterford include the South-East Enterprise Platform Programme which is underway at the Waterford Institute of Technology as part of Enterprise Ireland's South East Regional Strategy. The 2009/2010 programme has had 20 participants to date in the County. As part of the ongoing drive to promote entrepreneurship in the region, Enterprise Ireland has also rolled out a series of Enterprise START workshops to encourage potential entrepreneurs to explore their business ideas. During 2009, 49 participants took part in this initiative in Waterford and the most recent workshop held in March 2010, had 18 participants.

Furthermore, the South East Enterprise Week, which takes place annually, showcases successful entrepreneurs and encourages and assists current and potential entrepreneurs. Throughout the South East, events take place to promote and encourage entrepreneurship. Local Enterprise Ireland staff are closely involved in the initiative through the Spirit of Enterprise Regional Forum.

On a national basis, Enterprise Ireland continues to support the growth of new and existing internationally trading Irish enterprises. A Fund for Job Expansion has been launched by Enterprise Ireland, which will provide support of up to €150,000 to eligible clients taking on a development plan which will increase employment. The first call for this competitive Fund closed in May with a further two calls scheduled for later this year. The Fund will assist companies in areas such as capital, technology acquisition, training, the recruitment of key managers and consultancy.