Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he is using the new regional aid maps to support the northern and western region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6689/22]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Regional Aid is an enhanced form of State aid that can be provided to Irish enterprises in economically disadvantaged areas. It helps Irish enterprises to grow and expand and assists in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. Within my Department, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland grant Regional Aid, amongst other valuable forms of assistance.

Since 2014 there has been a total of almost €160 million in Regional Aid granted by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) and its agencies, with annual expenditure ranging from €28 million to €48 million. For the Northern and Western Regions as defined by Eurostat, approximately €72 million in Regional Aid has been granted.

The Regional Aid Map sets geographical boundaries on where Regional Aid can be applied and identifies areas eligible for Regional Aid.

My Department is now in the final stages of engaging with the European Commission to finalise Ireland’s 2022 – 2027 Regional Aid Map. The new Map is expected to be finalised and in place by the end of quarter one. Once in place, granting authorities and agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, will commence using the new Map to grant Regional Aid.