Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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855. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures his Department is taking to create jobs in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40735/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to creating sustainable employment right across the country and through our enterprise development agencies we are continuing to positively contribute to employment growth in all regions of the country.

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Policy Statement, which I launched last year, sets out how, through a variety of programmes and campaigns, LEOs foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally.

Last year LEO Clare assisted 228 small businesses, supporting 1,364 jobs, and approving €692,734 in direct grants. These figures don’t account for the number of small businesses that received assistance through the productivity supports and management training and development programmes available through the LEO.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is also actively supporting job creation and economic development in County Clare through a combination of strategic initiatives and direct client support. As of the latest figures, 5,566 people are employed by EI client companies in Clare, marking an increase of 366 jobs from the previous year or a 7% growth.

EI’s Strategy (2025–2029), outlines a national framework to promote new business start-ups and support entrepreneurs, helping them to compete by boosting innovation and productivity, scaling companies through growth and exporting, and connecting businesses with networks and talent.

A example of Enterprise Ireland’s work in Clare is the expansion of Vitalograph, a leading producer of respiratory diagnostic devices and an EI client. The company recently announced a major investment that includes a new site in Clare Technology Park, a second site in Limerick city centre and the creation of 200 new jobs across both locations. This expansion not only strengthens Clare’s position in the medtech sector but also reflects the success of EI’s support in helping indigenous companies scale and innovate.

Regional Development is a key focus in the Programme for Government and a strategic imperative for IDA Ireland. In this regard, IDA Ireland has an ambitious target of 550 regional locations under its new Strategy.

County Clare hosts 62 IDA client companies, employing 6,041 people at the end of 2024. Clare is part of the Mid-West region which also comprises counties Limerick and Tipperary. FDI performance in this region has been strong over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 20%.