Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
57. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the funding for local enterprise and regional development in his Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026-2030 will support businesses in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13132/26]
View answerMy Department’s Sectoral Capital Plan 2026-2030 will sustain economic growth, strengthen competitiveness, and deliver balanced regional development while addressing global challenges such as climate action, digital transformation and technological disruption.
The Capital Plan includes a total investment of €4.7 billion to 2030. This investment will enable my Department to deliver under the strategic pillars of Enterprise Growth, Innovation & Technology, Enhancing Ireland’s global tourism offering, Regional Development and Climate Action.
The Sectoral Capital Plan outlines how Government will invest over €250 million in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Programme through to 2030. The funding being provided will enable the LEOs within each of the 31 Local Authority areas, including County Louth, to continue to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the local economy . The LEOs will continue to assist small businesses to establish and grow and will support them in meeting the specific challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation and export development.
Balanced regional development is a Government priority. The Sector Capital Plan outlines how my Department will support a number of programmes/initiatives in the area of regional development, including the aforementioned Local Enterprise Office Programme, as well as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Smart Regions Innovation Scheme Programme, the Regional Enterprise Development Funds and the Regional Enterprise Plans. Also in the area of regional development, IDA Ireland will continue to provide property solutions to attract regional investments through its Regional Property Development Programme.
