Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In 2022, Carlow Community Enterprise Centres CLG secured €72,422 in funding through my Department’s Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS). This funding was earmarked for the formulation of a business plan and design master plan for the enterprise campus situated on O'Brien Road, Carlow.

I have been advised by Enterprise Ireland, which administers the REISS on behalf of my Department, that these plans were finalised in late 2023, and active engagement has commenced with Enterprise Ireland’s Southeast Regional team to compile a comprehensive application for consideration under the new Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which I recently announced.

There is €35 million available under the first call of the new Scheme, which is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The Scheme will support local infrastructure projects, innovative clusters and consortia, services to SMEs to drive innovative solutions and feasibility and priming grants for early-stage project development.

Enterprise Ireland has advised me that Carlow Community Enterprise Centre is expected to submit a formal application for funding under the new Scheme in Q1 2024 following their successful completion of the REISS Priming funded activity.