Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
55. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland in Galway in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12895/26]
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 Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Galwaay was 9,679 in 2025, with 653 new jobs created during the year. There were a number of major jobs announcements in EI client companies in Galway in 2025, including by leading companies in the region such as Aerogen, MBRYONICS, Neurent Medical and ICS Medical.
Enterprise Ireland has also supported a number of key actions and initiatives in Galway and the West region including:
• The 2025 New Frontiers programme for the West attracted 66 participants in phase one, which supports startups to research and test the market potential of a business idea. Thirteen startups were selected to participate in phase two, which assists companies to further develop and validate business propositions.
• Enterprise Ireland funded 17 startups in the West region in 2025 through High Potential Start Up (HPSU) and Pre-Seed Funding, including 10 in Galway.
• Nine projects in the West region were approved for funding through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, of which 8 are based in Galway.
• A further 9 projects in the West region have been approved for funding under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Initiative, of which 6 are in Galway.
• Platform 94, an innovation hub for scaling companies that has received investment through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Smart Regions, has this week announced a new international partnership with Sister, Manchester’s £1.7bn innovation district. This will establish a dedicated Manchester base for Irish scaling companies to enable a streamlined pathway for Irish companies scaling into the UK.
Enterprise Ireland’s 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.
