Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
43. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that is being provided for Regional Enterprise Plans in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18809/22]
View answerRegional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation is a key policy priority of mine and this Government.
Over the past month, along with Minister of State Damien English TD and Minister of State Robert Troy TD, I have launched the Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 across the country. Eight of the Plans have been launched to date with the South West Plan being launched towards the end of April.
A feature and strength of the Regional Enterprise Plans is that they are developed using a ‘bottom-up’ approach, developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region.
The Regional Steering Committees are chaired by senior industry figures and include the Enterprise Agencies, LEO’s, Local Authorities, Higher Education bodies, and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities in the region. Each Plan contains a set of objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024 which are complementary to and support existing Government and agency initiatives.
I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. I can advise the Deputy that up to €180m is being made available for the nine regional plans to develop and implement collaborative and innovative enterprise projects – projects that will not just sustain but add to employment at county, regional and national level.
€6 million has been set aside in 2022 and a further €6 million over the following years to assist those projects which have been delayed and incurred increased costs in the delivery of their originally approved projects. Enterprise Ireland are in the process of contacting eligible projects regarding this fund.
To create a strong pipeline of projects for future funding calls Enterprise Ireland has also announced a new competitive ‘priming’ and ‘feasibility’ scheme fund of up to €5 million. This Scheme is now open for applications and details can be accessed on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
Substantial funding will also be made available up to 2027 for regional enterprise projects under funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Shared Island fund. This funding will help ensure that the coming years will be an exciting time for the Regional Enterprise Plans to further establish their mark in the regions.
