Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2022
35. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with small to medium enterprises to help them reduce their carbon emissions and prepare for a greener future. [7107/22]
View answerMy department actively pursues opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and integrates climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities. We aim to foster strong, resilient businesses, that are successful and sustainable, while meeting our sector’s climate targets.
Climate Toolkit for Business
My department, in conjunction with Minister Ryan's department, have launched the Climate Toolkit for Business, which aims to encourage all SMEs to start their zero-carbon journey. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input and generates a tailored action plan and highlights relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions. These actions will be in the areas of energy use, water use, materials use and transport. By implementing them, businesses will be well on their way to a greener future.
Officials in my department and in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications engaged with a Steering Group which was made up of representatives of relevant state agencies and business representation organisations throughout the development of the Climate Toolkit 4 Business.
Local Enterprise Offices
In March 2021, I launched the Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme. This programme offers green transition advice and technical support to micro-enterprises. Qualifying SMEs receive two days of intensive mentoring, including a sustainability audit, and design an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, helping to prepare micro-enterprises for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.
Enterprise Ireland Initiatives
In 2021, Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund. It consists of three initiatives designed to help SMEs on their sustainability journey:
- Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.
- GreenStart grant – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.
- GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multi-annual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.
Since the Climate Enterprise Action Fund was launched in 2021, 150 projects have been approved: 84 Climate Action Vouchers, 52 GreenStarts and 14 GreenPlus projects were grant aided.
Enterprise Forum
I will also shortly chair the Enterprise Forum where the Department will meet with Enterprise sector stakeholders, including representatives from ISME, SFA, RGData, the Retail sector, Chamber Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to discuss key issues including Climate Action.
