Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Government is determined that Irish businesses can receive the assistance they need to reduce their emissions and transition to a new, low carbon future. To this end, my Department is integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department enterprise policy and the mandates of its enterprise development agencies.

Under the National Recovery and Resilience Fund (NRRF), my Department is developing two programmes which will make €55 million available over the next five years to help clients of Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to tackle their emissions, particularly in our manufacturing sectors. These include incentives for the early stages of the carbon transition pathway for clients of Enterprise Ireland through the continuation of the Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Enterprise Action Fund. A new Carbon Reduction Fundwill facilitate investment in carbon measurement and abatement technologies, green research, development and innovation; as well as specific types of capital investment with a focus on abating manufacturing sector emissions.

My department, in conjunction with Minister Ryan's department, have also built and launched the Climate Toolkit 4 Business. This online carbon calculator aims to encourage all SMEs to start their zero-carbon journey. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input and generates a tailored action plan and highlights relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions.

My Department's agencies are assisting businesses of all sizes, across many sectors, to start their low carbon transition. Many businesses are seeking to educate themselves, and build capability in this area before they make key investment decisions.

In 2021, Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund, with three initiatives designed to help SMEs start on their sustainability journey:

- Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.

- GreenStart grant – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

- GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multi-annual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.

Since the Climate Enterprise Action Fund was launched in 2021, over 150 projects have been approved, including: 84 Climate Action Vouchers, 52 GreenStarts and 14 GreenPlus projects.

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

Since March 2021, Local Enterprise Officeshave run their Green for Micro programme. This programme offers green transition advice and technical support to micro-enterprises. Qualifying SMEs receive two days of intensive mentoring, including a sustainability audit, and design an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, helping to prepare micro-enterprises for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

Further assistance is available through SEAI for suitable activities and investments. For example, a new microgeneration scheme to be available soon will provide enterprises incentives for investment in on-premises renewable energy.