Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
50. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland in Kilkenny in 2025; the number supported in Carlow in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12893/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to driving balanced economic development across all regions of the country. Enterprise Ireland supports over 4,300 Irish companies, creating opportunities across every region and county in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies are delivering direct and indirect job creation, developing innovative solutions for global challenges, strengthening communities and regions, and improving quality of life nationwide. Over 60 percent of all Enterprise Ireland client company employment is outside Dublin.
Total employment in 2025 in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Kilkenny was 7,014 and total employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Carlow was 3,773. There were 275 new jobs created in Kilkenny during the year and 211 new jobs created in Carlow.
Enterprise Ireland is also supporting a number of key actions and initiatives in the South East Region, including:
• Enterprise Ireland is an active member of the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Group with partners including the Local Authorities. This plan includes a range of actions across the four South-East counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.
• The 2025 New Frontiers programme for the South-East Region is funded by Enterprise Ireland to support local start-ups. In 2025, there were 71 participants in phase one of the programme, which supports startups to research and test the market potential of a business idea. Nineteen startups were selected to participate in phase two, which assists companies to further develop and validate business propositions.
• In December, I announced that Enterprise Ireland would provide €7.1m of funding through the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme to support the Catalyst HQ project in Carlow. This new innovation and enterprise hub for the south-east region will provide support for manufacturing, export-focused and technology-driven businesses across the region.
• In June 2025, SETU officially opened a state-of-the-art Corporate Services Building in Carlow. The new building marks a significant milestone in the University’s infrastructure development and long-term vision for growth across the region. An EI-funded project, Insurtech DAC is based in the new corporate building.
Enterprise Ireland’s continued focus on regional development not only boosts local economies but also ensures a more balanced economic growth across the country. Its strategy of supporting ambitious, globally focused Irish companies continues to drive job creation and economic resilience, particularly in areas outside the capital.
