Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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869. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide detailed information on the smart regions enterprise innovation scheme, launched on 13 October 2023; the number of applications received, projects approved, and funding allocated to date under the first €35 million call which closed on 31 March 2024; the breakdown, by region, project type, funding stream, and investment amount, in tabular form; his views on the achievements of the scheme to date; his Department’s plans for future calls and continued implementation of this €145 million programme co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. [40925/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and administered by Enterprise Ireland. The scheme includes four streams supporting development and provision of local enterprise infrastructure, innovation clusters and consortia, innovation services to SMEs, and early-stage feasibility and priming research.

The Smart Regions scheme operates in a complex legal environment requiring compliance with both State Aid rules and regulations specified by the ERDF. For that reason, Enterprise Ireland is continually assessing the threshold for entry, supporting projects with their eligibility.

Stream 1 for local enterprise infrastructure has proven the most challenging and, in terms of reform, Enterprise Ireland has completed a review introducing a new interpretation for many of the identified projects on its pipeline. All of this activity operates within strict expenditure timelines associated with the ERDF, and, in addition, recent announcements by the European Commission on the modernisation of Cohesion Policy.

Enterprise Ireland continues to work on a one-to-one basis with projects and with the network of regional enterprise groups across the country in stimulating new initiatives and projects.

The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme remains open to future applications under Call 1, and those interested in applying should contact Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland is the intermediary body delivering the Smart Regions scheme under Ireland’s ERDF programmes. These wider ERDF programmes are overseen by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly as managing authorities.

The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has lead responsibility overall for Cohesion Policy in Ireland. My Department engages regularly with Enterprise Ireland, the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Public Expenditure to monitor delivery of the scheme.

As part of the ERDF Mid-Term Review process, due to be completed in the coming months, the Regional Assemblies are working with Enterprise Ireland and other partners to consider allocations across the breadth of Ireland’s two ERDF programmes, particularly given the European Commission’s recent communication on the modernisation of Cohesion Policy. All partners are determined to safeguard Ireland’s ERDF allocation and disburse funding in line with national and regional priorities, while seeking to respond flexibly to developing priorities.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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870. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether enterprise support schemes and advisory structures within the aegis of his Department including but not limited to (details supplied) are available to co-operatives, including worker co-operatives, on an equal and non-discriminatory basis; if not, the equivalent supports that are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40929/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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With the support of my Department, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are committed to helping a diverse range of business models that contribute to innovation, employment, and economic growth in Ireland. This includes co-operatives and worker co-operatives, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria of the relevant support schemes. These programmes are generally open to businesses that demonstrate strong potential for growth, innovation, and export, regardless of their legal structure.

For example, co-operatives may be eligible to apply for supports such as the New Frontiers Programme, Innovation Vouchers, the Pre-Seed Start Fund, and High Potential Start-Up (HPSU). These schemes focus on the business idea, the team, and the potential for commercial success. The legal form of the applicant—whether a limited company, sole trader, or co-operative—is not a barrier to application. However, applicants must meet all other criteria, including sectoral focus and stage of development.

Some schemes, such as the Competitive Start Fund, involve equity investment and are typically structured around limited companies capable of issuing shares. While co-operatives are not explicitly excluded, their governance and ownership models may not align with the equity-based funding mechanisms used in these programmes. In such cases, EI encourage co-operatives to contact them directly to explore alternative supports or discuss how their structure might be accommodated.

Similarly, the Local Enterprise Offices offer a range of grants—such as the Feasibility Study Grant, Priming Grant, and Business Expansion Grant—which are generally available to micro and small businesses. While these are most commonly awarded to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, co-operatives may also be eligible depending on the nature of the business.

In addition, my Department has responsibility for two open loan schemes. They are the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, and loans provided by Microenterprise Ireland. Both are open to applications from co-ops, and the same requirements will apply as to any other corporate form of business.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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871. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has assessed whether his Department and its agencies' enterprise supports and advisory structures are equally accessible and appropriate for those seeking to establish co-operatives, particularly worker co-operatives; if not, if he will consider commissioning such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40930/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The co-operative model is one of a number of corporate options available to those considering establishing themselves in business. However, the choice of corporate model is a matter for the founders of any business and my Department does not promote any particular corporate structure over any other.

Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are committed to supporting a diverse range of business models that contribute to innovation, employment, and economic growth in Ireland. This includes co-operatives, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria of the relevant support schemes.

In the context of enactment of the Co-operative Societies Bill, my Department intends to engage widely with stakeholders including the co-operative sector, professional advisers, development agencies, relevant Government departments etc. to raise awareness of the modernised legislative basis underpinning co-operatives as an attractive option for entities wishing to operate under the co-operative ethos.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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872. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the difference in spend between the funds spent on foreign direct investment relative to expenditure given to indigenous industries for 2024; the expected balance between the funds spent on foreign direct investment relative to expenditure given to indigenous industries for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In line with the Programme for Government, IDA’s strategic objectives include retaining the existing strong FDI base, strengthening long term investment, scale cutting edge innovation, drive sustainable change, maximise regional opportunities and deepen and scale RD&I in Ireland and to win investment in key growth areas including digitalisation and artificial intelligence, semiconductors, health and sustainability.

As a result, IDA Ireland’s client grant budget remains a key priority for attracting new investors to Ireland in an increasingly competitive global environment. The focus aligns with the IDA Ireland’s new strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation. In 2025, the IDA secured an increased allocation for grants to Industry as well as for the IDA’s Regional Property Programme which aims to address regional market failure through investment in enterprise-focused property solutions in support of winning regional investments.

Irish enterprise, while resilient, faces challenges from trade volatility, digital transformation, and climate change. Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, aims to help Irish businesses navigate these challenges by supporting them to start, scale, and compete globally. My Department will continue working with Enterprise Ireland to ensure adequate resources are in place for successful implementation.

The Government is also committed to helping small businesses manage the dual transitions of decarbonisation and digitalisation through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). As part of the SME Package, the Energy Efficiency Grant was increased to a maximum of €10,000, with a 75% government contribution. There is also a broader range of eligible expenditure with funding available for several practical measures to help a business reduce their long-term energy costs including upgrading to LED lighting, replacing heat pumps, and upgrading refrigeration units, ovens and dishwashers.

While it is too soon in 2025 to comment on out-turns for this year, I can confirm that my Department monitors all agency spends under its aegis on a monthly basis.

The first table below shows the funds spent on foreign direct investment in 2024 (grant payments to IDA clients).

The second table below is the total made by Enterprise Ireland (EI) in 2024. It includes direct client payments, regional funding and 3rd party agencies funding from EI including the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), The Business and Innovation Centres (BICs) and the Design and Craft Council of Ireland.