Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
493. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if funding can be sourced to support the not-for-profit organisation (details supplied) to construct a new build extension to their present location, which will cost €2.5 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10017/26]
View answerSince 2017, my Department has approved over €150 million in regional enterprise development funding through Enterprise Ireland schemes, supporting enterprise ecosystems and regional job creation across all parts of the country. The vast majority of this funding has been allocated to projects outside Dublin.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, was launched in October 2023 and remains open for applications. Under Stream 1, the scheme supports the development of local enterprise infrastructure. The scheme also provides support for clusters and consortia, the design and delivery of innovation programmes for SMEs, as well as feasibility and priming work.
Smart Regions is designed to promote economic growth across every region. I note that the Government has provided substantial funding to the Killarney Innovation Centre over almost three decades.
Enterprise Ireland, as the agency responsible for administering the Smart Regions scheme, assesses applications based on a defined set of criteria, including the proposed objectives and expected impact of the funding. As part of its remit, Enterprise Ireland also assists applicants, such as the Killarney Innovation Centre, in developing applications to align with the scheme’s aims. I understand that the project is already engaged with Enterprise Ireland around this scheme. Currently, there is no alternative scheme operated by my Department that could provide funding for the Centre’s proposal.
