Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

418. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding can be sourced to support a not-for-profit group (details supplied) to construct a new build extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46705/24]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Balanced regional enterprise development is a key focus for my Department as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise. My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). The South-West REP is implemented at a regional level by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from Cork and Kerry.

In relation to regional enterprise funding, the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, launched in October 2023, aims to accelerate economic growth in all regions of the country by working with stakeholders to drive and deliver enterprise development.

The Smart Regions scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of my Department and, in total, offers up to €145 million in funding across four distinct streams, supporting projects based on a triple helix partnership model of collaboration between academia, industry and Government.

Stream 1 offers support of €1 million to €10 million for capital infrastructure projects, both new builds as well as renovation or upgrading of existing facilities. Eligible costs include construction costs, building acquisition costs, architectural and engineering design fees and fit out and equipment costs.

The first call for applications remains open and full information can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website: . Potential applicants for Smart Regions funding are encouraged to contact Enterprise Ireland to discuss their plans and the scheme's eligibility criteria.