IDA Ireland’s client grant budget remains a key priority for attracting new investors to Ireland in an increasingly competitive global environment. The focus aligns with the new strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation. In 2025, the IDA secured an increased allocation for Grants to Industry as well as for the IDA’s Regional Property Programme which aims to address regional market failure through investment in enterprise-focused property solutions in support of winning regional investments.
Delivering on ambitious targets to 2029 under the new strategy will require additional funding for increased client grant budget - including to underpin engagement in Important Projects Common European Interest - initiatives under the European Chips Act, to maintain an ongoing focus sustainability and digitalisation, deepen investment in RD&I and investment in ecosystem actors and national competency centres including the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) and Tyndall National Institute, as well as an increase in the IDA property budget linked to development of 3 Next Generation Sites.
Irish enterprise, while resilient, faces challenges from trade volatility, digital transformation, and climate change. Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, aims to help Irish businesses navigate these challenges by supporting them to start, scale, and compete globally. My department will continue working with Enterprise Ireland to ensure adequate resources are in place for successful implementation.
The Government is also committed to helping small businesses manage the dual transitions of decarbonisation and digitalisation through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). As part of the SME Package, the Energy Efficiency Grant was increased to a maximum of €10,000, with a 75% government contribution. There is also a broader range of eligible expenditure with funding available for a number of practical measures to help a business reduce their long-term energy costs including upgrading to LED lighting, replacing heat pumps, and upgrading refrigeration units, ovens and dishwashers.
The Grow Digital Voucher, launched in September 2024, expanded eligibility and increased funding to €5,000. It supports a broader range of digital transformation projects than the previous Trading Online Voucher, including e-commerce, e-invoicing, cybersecurity, and AI-driven analytics software. It is available to businesses with up to 50 employees, compared to the previous limit of 10.
Additionally, the Market Explorer Grant replaced the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant, increasing the maximum funding to €10,000. This grant helps small businesses explore and develop new export markets.
