Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/22]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation continues to be a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Throughout 2021, my Department has overseen the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) to 2024, including for the Midlands, which covers Counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

A key feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region, and of the benefits of working collaboratively.

Stakeholder consultation sessions attracted attendees from across industry, public sector and higher education sectors from within the region. The sessions highlighted the high-level of collaboration and ambition that exists within the region, with a strong sense of optimism prevalent despite some regional challenges.

The Midlands Regional Steering Committee is chaired by Dr Anne Cusack. The Steering Committee members include representation from the Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.

I launched the Midlands Plan in Mullingar on 1 March. The new Plan contains three strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024. I am engaging with the regional Chairpersons and Steering Committees as implementation commences.

The Midlands Plan’s strategic objectives are:

- Climate Action – transition to a climate neutral economy.

- Capitalising on strengths of the Midlands through Smart Specialisation and Digitalisation

- Positioning the Midlands as the destination of choice to live, work, visit, invest and learn

The Midlands region has been successful in securing over €6.8 million over five projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme (RETS), since 2017.

I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level.

€6 million has been set aside in 2022 and a further €6 million over the following years to assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects. Enterprise Ireland are in the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.

To create a strong pipeline of projects for future funding calls Enterprise Ireland has also announced a new competitive ‘priming’ and ‘feasibility’ scheme fund of up to €5 million. This Scheme is now open for applications and details can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

Substantial funding will also be made available up to 2027 for regional enterprise projects under funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Shared Island fund. This funding will help ensure that the coming years will be an exciting time for the Regional Enterprise Plans.

The Midlands region is full of potential and is very well positioned to compete for the new funding schemes. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of the new funding to develop quality projects in the region.