Written Answers Nos. 188-207
188. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to provide additional venues to allow applicants to take driver theory tests in Dublin; and if he has considered using facilities such as libraries or councils office to make them more convenient. [21829/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the Driver Theory Test. This includes the location and operation of driver theory test centres.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
189. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that Ireland’s entire public transport fleet is accessible to people with disabilities and in particular, wheelchair users given that Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018; the timeline for the completion of that process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of An Taoiseach has established a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment in the Programme for Government to a step change in supports and services required by disabled people. In my role as Minister for Transport, I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
190. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will obligate statutory transport bodies to do an audit of disabled access throughout the country regarding public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of An Taoiseach has established a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment in the Programme for Government to a step change in supports and services required by disabled people. In my role as Minister for Transport, I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
191. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No.130 of 10 April 2025, the number of the additional permanent positions for driver testers sanctioned by his Department have been allocated to Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. While the Department has conveyed sanction for up to 200 permanent driver testers, detailed information on the deployment of those testers and allocation of capacity in Cork is held by the RSA.
I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
192. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if Galway County Council has made an application to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for funding for the construction of the Claregalway traffic calming and Pavement Restoration Scheme, if the application has been considered by TII; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
I can confirm that as part of the 2025 allocations for national roads, €10,000 was provided to Galway County Council for the N83 Claregalway Traffic Calming and Pavement Restoration scheme.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to the latest status of this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
193. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the delay in establishing Oireachtas committees has had any impact on the approval of funding for new Local Link bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21953/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I hold responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport.
The delay in establishing Oireachtas committees has had no impact on the approval of funding for new Local Link bus services, as with all plans any additional funding for Local Link services is subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process.
Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured a funding package of c. €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of public transport services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
194. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if his Department if aware of an application for funding approval for a Local Link bus service between Portlaw and Dungarvan in County Waterford, and the status of this application. [21954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I hold responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport.
Under Budget 2025, the Department of Transport secured a funding package of c. €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local Link services and the rollout of services under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in County Waterford, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
195. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority regarding the outsourcing of bus services to private operators where there is capacity for Bus Éireann to provide the service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including X51 Galway to Shannon Airport summer services, is a commercial bus service and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
196. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the recent increase in unaccompanied learner driver offences in the Dublin Metropolitan Northern region, where Garda figures show a rise from 200 incidents in Q2 2023 to 324 in Q2 2024, with vehicle seizures also rising from 142 to 203; if he will consider the introduction of a pilot Learner Driver Support Programme in high-need areas such as Dublin Bay North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo drive a vehicle on a public road in Ireland, a driver must hold a full driving licence for that category of vehicle. Learner permit holders are not qualified drivers and must be accompanied by a full licence holder when driving. Under section 35A of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it is an offence to drive unaccompanied as a learner and enforcement of this legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. A review of the driver testing curriculum was identified as a priority, to ensure that the service is fit for purpose, future-proofed and can cope with changes in vehicle technology. International best practice and research will be considered in producing recommendations on improving driver education in Ireland.
To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.
As a condition of sanction, the RSA was required to put a plan in place to restore the 10-week waiting time target as soon as possible. I understand that the recruitment process is well underway, with the first tranche of new testers to enter live testing later this month. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and I expect that we will begin to see progress on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.
To alleviate pressure on the driver testing service, driver testing is offered on Saturdays, where driver testers are available to do overtime, and there are also additional morning and evening test slots offered where daylight allows. This has been the case since the current backlog in driving tests started to build up. Sunday overtime is not offered because, as the RSA needs to be mindful of working hours rules, Sunday overtime would not add any additional capacity to the testing service.
197. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department will take to address the widespread and unacceptable practice of cars and vans parking on footpaths, including in areas marked with single or double yellow lines, which create significant physical obstacles for people with disabilities and older persons, particularly those who are visually impaired or who use a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department will take to tackle the widespread and unacceptable practice of cars and vans parking on footpaths, including in areas marked with single or double yellow lines, particularly around access points to schools and hospitals such as Beaumont Hospital, including Ballyshannon Road and Trim Road, where such parking creates significant physical obstacles for people with disabilities and older persons, especially those who are visually impaired or who use a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
Parking on a footpath or on yellow lines are offences under road traffic legislation. The fixed charge penalty for parking on a footpath is €80, rising to €120 if not paid within 28 days. The penalty for parking on a yellow line is €40, increasing to €60 if not paid within 28 days.
As Minister for Transport, I have no role in the enforcement of parking legislation. The Deputy may wish to bring his concerns to the direct attention of An Garda Síochána and the relevant local authority.
199. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the planned rollout to the nearest month of reduced fares for five to eight year olds as promised in the Programme for Government, following the bedding-in period to ensure this can be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Under Budget 2025, funding has been allocated to the Department of Transport to extend free public transport for children to include those aged 5 to 8 years. Free travel for all children under-fives on subsidised public transport services was introduced in 2017.
The extension will be introduced later this year, with a lead time involved to allow for the necessary technical changes required to facilitate the implementation of this change to child fares. Similar to the previous fare initiatives this measure marks another step towards making sustainable transport a more affordable option for more families.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
200. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a further extension of Leap Card areas or the introduction of additional rural zones outside of Dublin to include towns such as Arklow in south Wicklow and Gorey in north Wexford as there is a considerable commuter body in these towns which would greatly benefit from improvements to public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, aiming to deliver a more consistent, equitable, and transparent fare structure for all passengers. Following this, the NTA commenced a phased rollout of revised fare zones and structures. Phase 1 of this Fares Determination was implemented in June 2024, focusing on fare changes for towns and shorter journeys within Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware Phase 2 of this Determination is being implemented in two phases: Phase 2A (from Monday, 28 April 2025) for new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares; and Phase 2B (from mid-May 2025, date TBC) for revised commuter bus fares. The most significant development is the introduction of a new ‘Dublin Commuter Zone’ (extending from the outer edge of the Dublin City Zone to approximately 50 km from the centre of Dublin), with simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. Further details can be found at https://www.transportforireland.ie/fares/new-fare-zones/
These changes, including the latest implementation of Phase 2 on 28th April 2025, have been designed to deliver a more consistent and equitable fares approach, and one that is easier for customers to understand. The area was selected based on a review of future public transport network proposals, for example the implementation of DART+, along with analysis of ticket sales information to determine travel demand.
The NTA has indicated that future phases of the National Fares Strategy will include the introduction of free transfer flat fares in the regional cities and certain towns and distance-based fares for the rest of Ireland, outside towns and cities.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
201. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the reason that in relation to table 17 of Revenue’s Corporation tax 2023 payments and 2022 returns, it is stated that Section 110 companies contributed €9.6 million in employment taxes in 2023, given that Section 110 companies take the form of special purpose vehicles which do not have employees (details supplied). [21770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) sets out a regime for the taxation of special purpose companies set up to securitise assets. The tax provisions are intended to create a tax neutral regime for bona-fide securitisation and structured finance purposes. The section 110 regime enables noteholders to invest through one structured vehicle, without giving rise to an additional layer of tax as compared to a direct investment in the underlying assets.
Securitisation allows banks to raise capital and to share risk and, by providing a repackaging and resale market for corporate debt, it lowers the cost of debt financing. It is accepted that having the option for more diversified sources of financing is good for investment and business. It is also important for financial stability in the economy, as the ability to securitise loan books plays an important role in allowing banks to meet their capital requirement obligations and to continue lending to businesses and individuals.
To come within the section 110 regime, a company must be a “qualifying company” and fulfil a number of conditions, including in relation to the type of assets that the company can hold and in turn the nature of activities that may be undertaken by the company. To be a qualifying company, section 110 TCA 1997 requires (among other things) that:
The company is tax resident in Ireland and carries on the business of holding or managing "qualifying assets". Generally speaking, qualifying assets are assets in respect of which securitisation transactions are undertaken. This includes a broad range of financial and other assets including shares, bonds, derivatives, loans, deposits, commodities, plant and machinery and invoices and other types of receivable.
The value of qualifying assets is at least €10 million at the time they were acquired by the section 110 company
Apart from the holding or managing of the qualifying assets, the company is not carrying on any other activities.
In response to your question, Revenue have advised me that section 110 of the TCA 1997 does not specifically preclude qualifying companies from having employees, however, they are required to have directors as a matter of Irish company law.
Directors of Irish incorporated companies, including qualifying companies for the purposes of section 110 of the TCA 1997, hold for taxation purposes an Irish public office, the remuneration arising from which is subject to employment taxes and is within the scope of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
202. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance the total value on an annual basis of banknotes replaced in the past ten years to date in 2025 by the Central Bank; if he will provide a breakdown, by denomination of note replaced and value; the number of applications for replacement of notes in excess of €150 and €750 and value of those applications over that time period; and the total amount on an annual basis over the same time period in which old punt notes and coins were replaced with euro currency. [21788/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Central Bank that it exchanged a total value of £7.05m (€8.96) in Irish Punt banknotes and coins between 01/01/2015 and 25/04/2025.
The table below shows a breakdown by year:
|
Year |
IEP £ |
EUR € |
|
2015 |
£1,002,399 |
€ 1,272,784 |
|
2016 |
£1,022,484 |
€ 1,298,287 |
|
2017 |
£1,205,980 |
€ 1,531,279 |
|
2018 |
£891,570 |
€ 1,132,060 |
|
2019 |
£661,099 |
€ 839,423 |
|
2020 |
£326,746 |
€ 414,881 |
|
2021 |
£445,583 |
€ 565,773 |
|
2022 |
£492,487 |
€ 625,330 |
|
2023 |
£419,794 |
€ 533,029 |
|
2024 |
£451,476 |
€ 573,256 |
|
YTD 25 April 2025 |
£134,587 |
€ 170,890 |
Between 01/01/2015 and 25/04/2025, the total number of applications for exchange of Irish Punt banknotes and coins was 16,338 broken down as follows:
• < £150 in value (10,510 applications totalling £0.49m)
• Between £150 and £749 (4,091 applications totalling £1.39m)
• For £750 and above (1,737 applications totalling £5.17m)
203. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Finance to include spinal fusion recipients in the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21879/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that my Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose and believe it should be replaced with a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual.
However, this is very much a matter for Government as whilst my Department has oversight of the DDS, I do not have responsibility for disability policy.
As the Deputy is aware the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy or NDIS Transport Working Group recommended that the DDS be replaced with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme. This is in line with the general view that we need to move away from a medical criteria-based approach to a needs-based approach.
Under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, the sub-group convened to progress NDIS proposals for needs-based, grant-aided, modern vehicle adaptation supports to replace the DDS, have generated a report that has been submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach, for its consideration.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
204. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) can be urgently addressed; if we will outline and expedite the flood mitigation plan in place for Listowel, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21818/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to expedite flood relief works to the areas affected by the flooding of 23 November 2024 comprising the Castleinch area in Listowel and Kilocrim, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
After the flood events of Storm Bert in Listowel in November 2024, officials from my Department met with Kerry County Council to review the flood event and its impact and to develop a plan to address what measures could be put in place in advance of the larger scheme proposed for Listowel as part of the Food Risk Management Plan for this area.
As a first step it was agreed that Kerry County Council would engage consultants to complete an investigation and prepare a factual report on the flood event. A Draft report has been issued for review to both Kerry County Council and the OPW. Once that report is finalised my officials will assist Kerry County Council in determining what measures may be possible to implement based on the recommendations of this report.
Clieveragh Advance Works.
The OPW, through Kerry County Council, is already making a significant investment of €2 million for advance measures in the Listowel area. This funding has been used for flood defences to protect some 50 properties at risk from flooding in the Clieveragh area in Listowel.
The OPW is carrying out these works by direct labour, and commenced work in February, 2024. They are currently undertaking Phase 3 of this project to ensure the scheme provides the appropriate level of protection.
Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme.
The OPW also maintains the Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme that was executed for the purposes of draining lands and reducing flooding for the benefit of agricultural activities. Preliminary estimates indicated that the November flood event at Listowel and Kilocrim was in excess of the 1 in 100 year return period (or 1% AEP) event and this would be far in excess of the standard of defence of an agricultural drainage scheme.
Flood Risk Management Plan for Listowel.
Since 2018, a phased approach to scheme delivery, in partnership with local authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of schemes at design or construction at this time to some 100 schemes. The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. As well as a financial commitment to meet costs, progressing this significantly increased number of flood relief schemes requires capacity and capability in highly specialized areas of engineering.
As it is not feasible to deliver all flood relief schemes concurrently, due to the constraints in capacity of specialised engineering skills to design flood relief schemes, the national flood-relief delivery programme was subdivided into two tranches, focusing initially on Tranche I schemes and those already in the delivery pipeline. Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on the design of some 50 Tranche II flood relief schemes, including Listowel. The OPW is currently piloting a new delivery model of flood relief schemes to gain efficiencies in how Tranche II schemes are delivered, as specialised resources become available.
Kerry County Council and the OPW keep the programme of scheme delivery under review and it is open to the Council to progress schemes, within its resources, and apply to the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, that provides 90% funding for localised mitigation up to €750,000.
206. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the increased cost of business grant scheme and the Power Up grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22003/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Increased Cost of Business scheme was introduced in March 2024 and the Power Up grant was introduced in October 2024. Both schemes are now closed, however, in total, €400 million in grant aid was successfully paid to SMEs right across the country in 2024 under these grants.
As I have previously outlined my Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB.
My Department has reviewed these issues and consulted with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and with the local authorities.
In order to address this, we are now proposing to open an appeals process that will give those businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors that were not eligible for ICOB and the Power Up grant because of the misclassification issue, an opportunity to register for those grants.
This is not a re-opening of those grant schemes, rather this is designed to allow those who originally misclassified their business sector an opportunity to register for the grants.
It is intended to open the appeals process as soon as possible following discussions with the local authorities who previously administered both the ICOB and Power Up grant schemes on behalf of my Department.
207. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the schemes in place to encourage businesses to set up in our towns and villages and if his Department has plans to introduce more schemes to ensure the longevity of our towns and villages. [21914/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a wide range of supports in place to support anyone who wants to start a business and the Government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who want to set up in any of our towns and villages countrywide.
Through the network of Local Enterprise Offices across the country, training and advice on entrepreneurship and helping businesses to start, grow and deal with challenges of running a business is widely available. LEOs support job creation and provide accessible high-quality supports for small businesses.
The LEOs provide business advice, training and mentoring supports to anyone looking to start a business, including the Start Your Own Business programme.
LEOs also offer start-up grant assistance to small businesses, with priority given to enterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors who have the potential to export. There are thousands of small businesses who have benefited from a business expansion, priming or feasibility grant, through their LEO.
LEOs also provide a wide range of training and mentoring supports, as well as digital and green supports through free consultancy from the Digital and Green for Business, and grant supports such as the Energy Efficiency Grant and Grow Digital Voucher.
Aside from business supports, LEOs contribute to the development of economic strategies such as the Local Economic and Community Plans and ensure that an enterprise perspective is brought to bear on various Local Authority and regional plans and frameworks.
LEOs also act as a catalyst for economic development by driving collaboration with the broader enterprise ecosystem at the local level.
Balanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans. These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
