Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of supports that are available to local authorities and community groups for the development of enterprise centres or workspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5732/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure that additional supports will be provided to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or workspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5733/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 50 together.
Achieving balanced regional enterprise development is a priority for this Government and is reflected in the White Paper on Enterprise. My Department aims to achieve this goal through the work of the Enterprise Agencies, Local Enterprise Offices and the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
Enterprise development is one element of broader economic development, a shared responsibility across Government – both central and local. Under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, local authorities prepare a statutory Local Economic and Community Plan, setting out high-level goals, objectives and actions needed to promote and support economic development over a six-year period.
The contribution made by enterprise hubs, community hubs and remote workspaces across the country is recognised at all levels of government; these facilities provide services to support entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and they also allow people to live and work in their local communities. Government has invested significantly in the development of such facilities.
My Department has provided substantial investment to support enterprise centres and hubs through a number of schemes over recent years, including the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Border Enterprise Development Fund and Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. My Department has already provided over €200 million in funding to support the establishment of some 270 enterprise hubs throughout the country through these regional enterprise funds.
I launched the new Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme last October; my Department has secured €145 million, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, for projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans. Stream One will support physical infrastructure including development of new enterprise hubs and expansion of existing facilities, up to €10 million per project.
The scheme supports collaborative projects and, as with previous funds, I expect local authorities will be involved in many. The first call of €35 million is open and full information is available on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has meanwhile invested over €150 million in the development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Connected Hubs. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities, with many vacant and derelict buildings converted into remote working hubs.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development are working together to develop the first National Hub Strategy, in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders. The strategy is expected to be brought to Government this year.
Local authorities have been integral to the development of hubs, often contributing significant funding. While local authorities are independent entities, Government will continue to work collaboratively with them to deliver innovative projects including enterprise centres and remote working facilities.
