Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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24. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the funding commitment to supporting decarbonisation of the SME sector; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6936/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has recently been awarded funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Fund to grant aid projects to accelerate decarbonisation of the enterprise sector. The details of the fund and how it will operate are currently being agreed and it is expected to launch mid-year.

This initiative will have two components:

1. The Climate Enterprise Action Fund which will provide incentives for the early stages of the carbon transition pathway for clients of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás and the LEOs. It will include assistance to undertake feasibility studies and develop detailed decarbonisation plans.

2. The Carbon Reduction Fund which is for investment in carbon measurement and abatement technologies for manufacturing enterprises (indigenous- and foreign-owned). The programme will also assist with capital investment and promote capacity building with a focus on abating their high CO2 emissions.

In addition and in conjunction with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I recently launched the Climate Toolkit for Business. I would encourage all SMEs to start their decarbonisation journey by engaging with the Climate Toolkit 4 Business. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input and then generates a tailored action plan and points to relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions, including:

- The Green for Microprogramme from the Local Enterprise Offices which helps prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

- Enterprise Ireland's range of assistance programme for client companies to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance, including the Climate Action Voucherwhich helps companies to develop an initial action plan, and the GreenStart/Pluswhich assists them in developing internal capabilities.

- IDA Ireland's external advice and feasibility assessments for foreign-owned manufacturing companies operating in Ireland. This includes the Go Green Offerthat is designed to encourage IDA clients to adopt green business principles in their organisation to increase competitiveness and achieve international environmental best practices.