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Regional Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Ceisteanna (66)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

66. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide further details on the way that the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan will directly benefit County Louth and in particular Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and Dunleer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regional enterprise development and sustainable local job creation continues to be a key policy priority of mine and this Government.

Throughout 2021, my Department has overseen the development of nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024, including for the North-East, which covers Counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan.

The North-East Regional Steering Committee is chaired by Richard Hanlon, Chief Commercial Officer, Aon Cyber Solutions. The Steering Committee members include representation from the three 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 plans are developed by regional stakeholders who are keenly aware of the growth opportunities and vulnerabilities in their region and also of the benefits of working collaboratively.

I was pleased to launch the North-East Plan in Cavan on 24th February. The Plan is the result of in-depth engagement across the region.

The new Plan for the North-East contains five strategic objectives and related actions to be delivered by end 2024 and my officials are engaging with the regional Chairpersons and Programme Managers as implementation commences.

I have been determined to ensure that funding is available to support these Plans. The Deputy will be aware 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 the Shared Island fund.

County Louth has performed particular well under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme securing over €11.5 million in funding for six innovative enterprise focused projects. The region is full of potential and is very well positioned to compete for the new funding schemes. I strongly encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of the new funding to develop quality projects for the Louth and wider North-East region.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 25.
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