Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if specific additional financial supports will be introduced in 2026 to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, and the contribution from same to the overall economy particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13174/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development remains a priority for my Department and for Government, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030. I acknowledge the valuable role played by enterprise centres and hubs throughout the country. These facilities support people to live and work in their own communities and provide vital assistance to entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. Considerable investment has been directed toward developing these facilities and the Government remain strongly committed to supporting the sector.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect that the draft strategy will be brought to Government shortly. It will include actions to support the expansion of services at hubs and further promotion of their role and benefits.
The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise centres and hubs, throughout the country via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded through the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, is currently open for applications. The scheme consists of four streams, supporting the development of key local enterprise infrastructure, such as enterprise hubs, clusters and consortia, programmes that help SMEs foster innovation, and feasibility and priming grants.
The schemes mentioned have already played a significant role in supporting and developing enterprise hubs nationwide, including the delivery of over 60 pieces of physical infrastructure. Government will, through my Department and Enterprise Ireland, continue to support collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver innovative projects.
