Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
724. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of grant funding allocated to counties Westmeath and Longford through the IDA and Enterprise Ireland since 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35137/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development remains a key priority of mine. I understand the importance of achieving the best possible spread of employment and investment across the country and my Department and its Agencies have been working hard towards that goal. Indigenous firms continue to perform well with over 217,000 people now employed in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, the highest in the history of the Agency. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), there are now over 230,000 people working in IDA client firms. Last year saw more IDA-supported jobs added in regional Ireland than at any time over the past 17 years, with 58% of total such employment now located outside of Dublin.
With respect to grants, the IDA is authorised by my Department to provide a range of financial supports in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. These grants are an important means of encouraging companies to invest in Ireland, particularly in regional locations. Enterprise Ireland also provides grants to companies across Ireland and these financial supports enable indigenous firms to develop, innovate and remain competitive in international markets.
The tables below outline the amount of grant funding allocated to companies in Counties Longford and Westmeath by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland from 2016 to 2018. Information on grant amounts for 2019 will not be available until they have been audited by Comptroller and Auditor General in the second quarter of 2020.
Table A: Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland grants to companies in County Longford 2016-2018
|
Year |
Enterprise Ireland |
IDA Ireland |
|
2016 |
€1,004,560 |
€169,542 |
|
2017 |
€1,076,148 |
€3,297,973 |
|
2018 |
€4,000,876 |
€2,440,323 |
|
Total |
€6,081,584 |
€5,907,838 |
Table B: Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland grants to companies in County Westmeath 2016-2018
|
Year |
Enterprise Ireland |
IDA Ireland |
|
2016 |
€1,537,281 |
€1,768,687 |
|
2017 |
€1,162,769 |
€2,078,588 |
|
2018 |
€1,226,009 |
€3,146,661 |
|
Total |
€3,926,059 |
€6,993,936 |
