Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
68. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the next round of the regional enterprise development fund will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20607/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) is a competitive fund introduced by my Department in 2017 and administered by Enterprise Ireland. It is aimed at supporting collaborative and innovative projects that can help to sustain and add to employment at a national, regional and county level.
To date, 42 projects have been awarded funding over two completed Calls worth a total of almost €60m, with collaborative projects supported in every region.
The Government has made a significant commitment under Project Ireland 2040 to target €4 billion to support the key priorities of rural renewal, urban regeneration, the achievement of climate action objectives, and the development and adoption of new disruptive technologies. Complementary to the REDF, these funds also act as key enablers for regional economic growth over the coming years.
With two REDF rounds complete, I have been reviewing the REDF in the context of the full range of funds now available under Project Ireland 2040 and new policy developments such as Future Jobs Ireland, with a view to identifying where there may be remaining gaps in funding provision in support of regional enterprise development, and how best to focus further REDF calls. It is my intention to announce a new REDF competitive call in the coming months.
