Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Enterprise Boards.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

Assistance for small businesses and services in Ireland is delivered by a large number of bodies, including the city and county enterprise boards, Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, the business innovation centres, Shannon Development, Leader, Údarás na Gaeltachta, etc. In particular, the 35 city and county enterprise boards, which were established by me in 1992, support the development of small enterprises – ten employees or less – through a range of measures, including direct and indirect enterprise supports.

Direct financial assistance is provided by way of a capital grant up to a maximum of 50% of the cost of capital and other investment or £50,000, whichever is the lesser, in investments not exceeding £100,000 – the portion of the financial intervention in excess of 40% to be in refundable form in the BMW region; or 35% in the S&E region; in exceptional circumstances and only where it can be demonstrated that labour shortages do not exist, an employment grant of up to £5,000 may be provided in respect of each new full-time job created in an eligible enterprise, subject to a limit of ten jobs; and a feasibility study grant where a maximum of 60% percent in the BMW region or 50% in the S&E region, of the cost of preparing a feasibility study and business plan may be provided, subjected to an overall limit of £5,000 in the BMW region or £4,000 in the S&E region. The enterprise boards also provide business information/advice, counselling and mentoring and support for the development of management skills.