Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
383. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what supports are available where an entrepreneur is seeking to set up a groundworks and civil engineer company in Ireland and Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Enterprise Offices provide a range of complementary supports to support people who want to start up or grow a business. The 31 LEOs across the country act as the "first stop shop" for businesses and entrepreneurs in Ireland and operate in each Local Authority area.
Businesses operating in the domestic market (regardless of numbers employed) such as sole traders, micro businesses and small and medium sized companies may avail of the soft supports available from the Local Enterprise Office, such as First Stop Shop, Mentoring and/or Training programmes.
The range of supports is designed to assist businesses to grow by being able to provide targeted, and appropriate, assistance at each stage of their development.
A business providing groundworks is a construction business and is not eligible for Local Enterprise Office Priming, Business Expansion, Feasibility, Technical Assistance for Microenterprise grants and Digital for Business consultancy. They are however, eligible for supports such as Lean, Green, training, management development and mentoring.
The Industrial Development (Service Industries) Order 2010 allows for grant aid to construction related service businesses such as civil engineering. In summary, if a business providing civil engineering services submits a business plan that includes an export plan to their Local Enterprise Office, subject to evaluation it may be eligible for grant support.
I suggest that the individual in question contacts their Local Enterprise Office, for further advice and information.
