Patricia Ryan
Question:51. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Athy food hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41874/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (51)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the Mid-East region, have been developed by regional stakeholders which identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and enable job creation across the regions.
The plans encourage collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the regional offering for enterprise and therefore create an environment for successful economic development and growth across the country.
I was pleased to launch the Mid-East Plan in Wicklow on 3 March 2022. The Mid-East Plan is overseen and monitored by a Regional Steering Committee which is chaired by Mr. Owen Brennan. The Steering Committee members include representation from the Local Authorities, the Enterprise Agencies, LEOs, Regional Assemblies, Higher Education bodies and others, all of whom are focused on creating and sustaining employment opportunities for the region.
The Mid-East Plan contains five strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024.
Strategic Objective 1 of the Mid-East REP is to position the Mid-East as the primary location for the development of the agri food hubs. The development of the Athy Food, Drinks and Innovation Hub is an action under that Strategic Objective.
Up to €180m in funding will be made available by my Department over the coming months and years to underpin and drive implementation of the strategic objectives and actions included in the Regional Enterprise Plans.
This funding is in addition to the substantial funding the Government has already provided to assist regions to support enterprise activity, promote regional growth and create jobs.
For example, my Department has made available to date over €126m in regional enterprise funding to assist locally-led regional enterprise development projects through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €279 million for 191 projects across the country.
The Athy Food, Drinks and Innovation Hub secured €311,159 from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s RRDF in August 2020 to complete a part 8 planning process and engage a Design Team to complete the detailed design of the project.
I understand that Kildare County Council has submitted a further application for funding under the RRDF last April. I have been advised that successful projects will be announced in the coming months.
I can assure the Deputy that my officials are engaging with the Regional Plan’s Programme Managers on implementation of the Strategic Objectives and associated action in the Plans.
The Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub is an exciting project for Athy and the wider Mid-East region. With a strong Regional Steering Committee driving the actions in the Mid-East Plan and the new funding opportunities being made available, I look forward to seeing the project advance over the coming years.