Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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797. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will allocate funds to support a community-based initiative (details supplied). [20758/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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In 2015, Enterprise Ireland launched a €5 million competitive fund to support community-driven enterprise development initiatives. I understand from Enterprise Ireland that 118 applications for the Community Enterprise Initiative Competitive Fund were considered. There was strong demand for the funding and the process was highly competitive. Some 32 applications exceeded the standard required for funding, following assessment by an external assessor and Committee adjudication and approval by Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland announced the results on 1 June 2016 and I am pleased to note that the company in question was successful. I understand from Enterprise Ireland that all letters of offer under the Community Enterprise Initiative were dispatched on the day the Scheme's successful applicants were announced, including the letter of offer to the company concerned.

I understand from Enterprise Ireland that there has been modification to the project as originally proposed. The company will have to provide Enterprise Ireland with details of any modification and, provided the project is still in keeping with their approval, e.g. expenditure amounts etc., Enterprise Ireland can issue a substitute Letter of Offer to cover the revised details concerned.

I should also point out that due to the high demand for the Scheme, Enterprise Ireland will issue a further call for proposals in Quarter 3 this year. This new call will be open to those that may have been unsuccessful under the first call for proposals and also to new applicants. Enterprise Ireland will work with all applicants that apply for funding under the second call for proposals.

I will engage closely with Enterprise Ireland to continue to roll out a series of new competitive regional funding initiatives that deliver on the potential of local and regional strengths; and promote collaboration among the various public and private interests to create new enterprises and jobs.