Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
514. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to explore all possible funding avenues in respect of Killarney Innovation Centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, since 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.
With regards to enterprise centres specifically, it should be noted that this funding has contributed to more than 60 pieces of infrastructure across the country in the same period, a clear indication of this Government’s commitment to the development of the sector.
I am aware of the Deputy’s interest in the Killarney Innovation Centre project, and as previously advised, I can confirm that the project is in contact with Enterprise Ireland with regards to accessing funding under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, though I do not know at this stage whether an application will be made.
Enterprise Ireland assign funding based on a specific set of criteria developed together with the Department, aimed at ensuring that such funding is utilized in the best way possible. While I am aware that obtaining funding can be challenging, more than 40 projects have been announced under this scheme, and I anticipate further announcements soon.
Decisions on which specific projects should be funded are driven by a series of assessments by Enterprise Ireland, and are carried out to ensure that the projects that represent the most appropriate use of funding in line with Enterprise Development goals are pushed forward and approved.
Should an application for this or any other project be submitted, it would not be appropriate that I commit to funding a project in advance of the outcome of a competitive process, however the Deputy can rest assured that appropriate consideration will be given.
In addition to current discussions, in 2022 Enterprise Ireland approved funding of €75,600 under the Community Enterprise Scheme for the Killarney Innovation Centre in support of the operation of the location.
I would also note this government’s commitment, under the Programme for Government document ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’, to the reform of the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. In line with this, a review of the national enterprise hub landscape and its needs, aimed at informing future funding policy direction, is expected to get underway later this year.
I wish the Killarney Innovation Centre the very best of luck with their important work.
