Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding to be provided by her Department in 2017 for the community enterprise initiative scheme and the competitive regional fund to assist in the development of enterprise centres and work space in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36094/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Regional Enterprise Development Fund was launched in May 2017. This €60 million competitive fund will support major new collaborative and innovative initiatives that can make a significant impact on enterprise development in the region/across regions or nationally to build the unique USP capabilities to grow the regions.

Under a competitive process, Enterprise Ireland is now seeking applications for funding under four streams with varying investment levels:

1. Major Change Projects - €2m up to €5m per project,

2. Regionally Significant Projects - €250,000 up to €2m per project,

3. Local & Community Enterprise Development  Projects - €50,000 up to €250,000 per project,

4. Industry Clusters - €50,000 up to €250,000 per project.

The Applicant will be not for profit entities that have already, or propose to, set up a distinct legal entity that comprise national/regional, county and local stakeholders, with a purpose of benefiting the wider needs of the community and region/nation.

Applicants can be promoted by private or public organisations, which for example might include:

- Higher Education Institutes

- Semi State Commercial bodies

- Local Enterprise Development Groups

- Local Authorities

In addition, Industry Clusters must comprise of at least five companies.

The first call for applications closes on August 18th. All eligible projects are encouraged to apply.