Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2023
72. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any grants available to businesses that wish to expand or bring into use vacant commercial units which have been vacant for over 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21979/23]
View answerMy Department does not have any specific grants or supports for businesses that wish to expand or bring into use vacant commercial units which have been vacant for any period. I would note that several Local Authorities do offer a range of grants to businesses to encourage them to occupy vacant commercial premises within their local authority area. These schemes operate by lowering the entry costs by offering grants related to the level of rates payable on the property. These grants include the Façade Enhancement Scheme, Early payment Incentive Scheme and the Shop Fitout Grant Scheme 2022.
These schemes are aligned with the Town Centre’s First policy and aim to encourage the creation of attractive, vibrant commercial areas that contribute positively to a towns retail and economic growth, boosting footfall and street activity.
In terms of supports for enterprise and entrepreneurs the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), located within the 31 Local Authorities, are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. Furthermore, the LEOs can act as a ‘signposting’ service for all Government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The LEOs can provide grant assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, depending on their stage of development. However, it should be noted that Local Enterprise Offices cannot provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses in the locality.
In addition, my Department has published nine Regional Enterprise Plans, developed by regional stakeholders, that aim to identify growth opportunities, recognise vulnerabilities, and in response, strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem to enable job creation and are underpinned by understanding the unique local strengths and assets in each region.
