Written answers
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Enterprise Support Services
Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
608. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Enterprise Ireland is supporting any start-up hubs or co-working spaces in Cork north central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59041/25]
Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Cork has a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups supported by my Department, through Enterprise Ireland. For example, we have approved €939,000 for ‘Northside for Business’ through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the Enterprise Centre Scheme.
Northside for Business is an enterprise development initiative located in Ballyvolane on the northside of Cork City. Its mission is to support small businesses, start-ups, and freelancers, while promoting economic regeneration in the area. The organisation provides flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. It focuses on developing enterprise, creating employment, and celebrating the unique culture and community of Cork’s northside, through collaboration between businesses, communities, and public bodies.
Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) work closely with the Rubicon Centre, which provides office space, access to Munster Technological University (MTU) resources, mentorship, and funding support. Located on the MTU campus, the Rubicon Centre is a leading incubation hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups in Cork and offers programmes for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs with new ideas
- Early-stage start-ups looking to scale
- Established businesses aiming to grow
Connected Hubs, a Government of Ireland initiative, is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected Hub facilities throughout the country. Its mission is to harness the full potential of Hubs to make a significant contribution to the revitalisation of Ireland’s towns and villages through the promotion of Hub working. Cork has a number of these hubs located throughout the county including Cork North Central.
New Frontiers is Enterprise Ireland’s national programme developing an entrepreneurial skillset in early-stage founders. Aimed at individuals with an innovative early-stage startup with growth potential and ambition, it builds the promoter’s toolkit and skills and provides invaluable networking and support infrastructure. Delivered through third-level institutions across 18 locations nationwide, New Frontiers, since its inception in 2012, has been a proven pipeline for the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU.
No comments