Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
305. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the successful regional enterprise development fund projects will be announced; if an application (details supplied) will be supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53173/19]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) was introduced to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects that can sustain and add to employment at county, regional and national level. The REDF, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland, has been an effective instrument of policy particularly as a complement to my Department's Regional Enterprise Plans where it has served as an enabler for projects emerging from that regional collaborative process.
To date, the REDF has been delivered through two competitive calls with 42 projects across all regions securing a total of just under €60 million in all regions.
The Deputy will be aware that in June 2019 I announced a further €45 million Call 3 of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. Call 3 has sought projects under three Streams: 'Strategic Change Projects' capable of attracting funding of up to €5 million; smaller scale 'Regional Strengthening Projects' that may attract from €100,000 up to €500,000; and industry led enterprise clustering initiatives that can attract funding of €50,000 to €350,000. This Call will continue to support the development and implementation of collaborative and innovative projects in every region.
Given that Enterprise Ireland's competitive evaluation process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual project at this time.
I can however advise the Deputy that a final decision regarding successful applicants is expected to be made by the EI Board shortly and I expect to make an announcement on the successful projects in the near future.
