Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a report on the new Regional Enterprise Plan for counties Cork and Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25015/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Regional enterprise development is a key policy priority of mine and this Government. Throughout 2021, my Department oversaw the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the South-West which covers counties Cork and Kerry.

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.

I was pleased to officially launch the South-West Regional Enterprise Plan on the 26^thApril in Killorglin, Co Kerry. The new Plan contains six strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024, which are:

1. Enhance the enterprise eco-system across the region

2. Maximise the potential of digital enterprise and innovation hubs to support digitalisation, business growth, climate action and smart working

3. Support cluster organisations in driving the development and growth of enterprise

4. Bolster the South-West as a leader in sustainable food production and agri-tech

5. Embrace the opportunities of climate action in the marine, circular bioeconomy, tourism and energy sectors

6. Ensure a pipeline of talent in the region, focusing on sustainable high-quality jobs

Department officials are engaging with the regional Programme Managers as implementation of the Plan commences. The South-West Steering Committee is chaired by Patricia Quane and members include 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 have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. The Deputy will be aware that up to €180 million 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.

The South-West has performed particularly well under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, securing over €19.3 million for 15 innovative enterprise strengthening projects.

By focusing on the strengths of the region and by taking advantage of collaborative funding opportunities I am certain the South-West region can build on their previous successes.