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Enterprise Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022

Thursday, 19 May 2022

Ceisteanna (57)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when improved financial supports will be introduced to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in the creation of employment opportunities in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25362/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

To date my Department has provided funding of €250 million administered by Enterprise Ireland to support the establishment of some 270 Enterprise Centres throughout Ireland, of which approximately 40 of these Centres originated from the Regional Enterprise Plans, including from Cavan and Monaghan.

Such centres provide space and training for entrepreneurs, allowing them to work remotely, access training and network with other business leaders, helping them to scale internationally and attract small scale FDI.

Since 2017, Enterprise Ireland has administered Departmental funding to 91 projects totalling €16.4 million under both the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Community Enterprise Centres Schemes.

On 20 November 2020, €8.24 million in grants was administered through Enterprise Ireland, for 95 Enterprise Centres many of which had been negatively impacted by COVID-19, to sustain their businesses, pivot and further develop their services, and continue to assist the development of our start-up companies.

In relation to the regions, a further €12 million has been sanctioned in funding to assist with the completion of projects under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund grant Schemes that have been delayed or interrupted due to increased construction and construction-related costs. This fund is also being administered through Enterprise Ireland.

Under Project Ireland 2040, co-working spaces, or eHubs, are envisaged as part of an ongoing suite of measures to encourage greater levels of collaboration between entrepreneurs.

Countrywide there is a broad range of other hub-type facilities, both publicly and privately funded, including Community Enterprise Centres and incubator/accelerators that are being considered by the National Hub Network Working Group in their mapping of a national network of remote working facilities. The Department of Rural and Community Development, which leads on this mapping initiative, has invested significantly in remote working infrastructure & connectivity through the Broadband Connection Point Network initiative including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Leader Programme.

In addition, the first allocation of €3 million in Budget 2022 was announced for the European Digital Innovation Hubs as part of the EU Digital Europe Programme which will provide over time a total of €13.4 million in funding to Ireland focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, SMEs, citizens and the public sector.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 6.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 6.
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