Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
242. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will lend his support to the Killarney Innovation Centre new build project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2017, my Department has approved over €150 million in regional enterprise development funding through Enterprise Ireland schemes, to support enterprise ecosystems and regional jobs growth across all regions. The vast majority of funding has been approved for 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. Stream 1 supports the development of local enterprise infrastructure. The scheme also supports clusters and consortia, design and delivery of innovation programmes for SMEs, and feasibility and priming.
Smart Regions aims to support economic growth in all regions of the country. Among the projects approved so far, there are three projects underway in Kerry, including an allocation of €1 million for the AI Navigator Programme by the RDI Hub, located in Killorglin, which aims to assist small business in adapting to AI.
I note that Government has provided significant funding to support the Killarney Innovation Centre over a period of almost 30 years.
I understand that Killarney Innovation Centre has now applied to the Smart Regions scheme and is currently awaiting assessment of a priming application. The application has been received by Enterprise Ireland and I believe that a date for the presentation and assessment that forms the next step of the application process will be scheduled shortly.
Enterprise Ireland, as the administrators of the scheme, determine the success or otherwise of applicants based on a set of criteria examining the proposed goals and likely impact of funding. Part of Enterprise Ireland’s remit around this scheme is to help applicants such as the Killarney Innovation Centre to develop proposals in line with the scheme and its goals.
While it would not be appropriate to commit to funding such a project in advance of the outcome of the evaluation process, the Deputy can rest assured that appropriate consideration will be given. I wish Killarney Innovation Centre well in its application.
